ISSA Skipper Instructor Course
Turn your experience and passion into an international maritime career.
Are you an experienced skipper with significant sea time? Has training always been in your blood, and do you love sharing your maritime knowledge? Or perhaps you are looking to pivot to an exciting, active and rewarding career working with people at sea?
Join Vardi Vela for our official ISSA Skipper Instructor Course. Throughout the program we discuss, practice and refine advanced teaching and instructional techniques — both in practical onboard vessel operations and in classroom theoretical navigation. Upon successfully completing the assessment you will be certified as a professional instructor under the globally recognised standards of ISSA.
Course Entry Requirements
This professional course is designed strictly for qualified, experienced sailors who meet all of the following criteria:
Nautical qualification: hold a valid Offshore Skipper certification (ISSA Offshore Skipper or an equivalent recognised licence from another maritime authority).
Proven sea time: documented experience of at least 3,000 nautical miles, or a minimum of 3 years of practical experience as an active skipper.
First aid: hold a valid First Aid certification.
What You Will Learn & Practice
This comprehensive course transitions you from a skilled sailor into an exceptional educator, combining instructional pedagogy, technical depth and practical demonstration:
Public speaking & instructional pedagogy: effective communication skills, teaching methodologies, crew and classroom management, and handling complex student scenarios.
ISSA syllabus mastery & lesson planning: deep understanding of the full range of ISSA course syllabi, along with constructing structured theoretical and practical lesson plans.
Advanced meteorology: teaching meteorology fundamentals, synoptic chart analysis and instructing weather-routing strategies.
Rules of the road (COLREGs) & navigation: advanced instruction techniques for collision avoidance, coastal and instrument navigation, and breaking down complex subjects for students.
Emergency response & man overboard (MOB): hands-on drills and teaching methodologies for critical emergencies, MOB maneuvers in varied conditions and safety management.
Practical seamanship & demonstration standard: mastering boat handling to a demonstration standard so you can model flawless technique for your trainees.
Course Investment
Skipper Instructor Course
- 5 to 7 intensive days
- Minimum 2 participants to open a course
- Hands-on onboard training and classroom theory
Assessment & Certification Fees
- Assessment fee — €300
- Certification fee — €450
- Paid separately from the course fee
Successfully passing the practical and theoretical assessments is a mandatory requirement for receiving your instructor credential. Please note: this is an international professional credential and must be renewed every 5 years in accordance with ISSA regulations.