ISSA Inshore Skipper
– 7 Day Recreational Sailing Course

ISSA Yacht Crew Course
– 4 Day Recreational Course

Duration
7 Days

Medium Level
Beginner level courses required

Location
Cape Panwa • Mai Khao

Certification
ISSA Recognised

Experience Required
ISSA Yacht Crew Certificate
ISSA VHF Radio Course

Accommodation
Nearby Hotels & Vehicle

Why take this Course?

Why take this Course?

  • Build the confidence to skipper a sailing yacht safely in coastal waters
  • Develop practical navigation, pilotage and passage planning skills
  • Learn advanced yacht handling, marina manoeuvres and anchoring techniques
  • Improve your understanding of weather, tides and coastal seamanship
  • Gain confidence managing both your yacht and your crew
  • Combine classroom learning with extensive practical training on the water
  • Achieve the internationally recognised ISSA Inshore Skipper Certificate
  • Aim for independent cruising & progression to the ISSA Offshore Skipper Course

VHF Radio Course & ISSA Yacht Crew Course Required

VHF Radio Qualification Required

The ISSA VHF Radio Operator Certificate is a mandatory prerequisite for the ISSA Inshore Skipper Sailing Yacht Course.
ISSA VHF Radio Course

The ISSA Yacht Crew Course is a mandatory prerequisite for the ISSA Inshore Skipper Sailing Yacht Course.
ISSA Yacht Crew Course

Continue Your Sailing Journey :

The ISSA Inshore Skipper Course is the natural progression after the ISSA Yacht Crew qualification, taking you from competent crew member to confident skipper. Throughout this comprehensive ten-day programme, you'll build the knowledge, practical skills and decision-making ability required to plan and undertake safe coastal passages while taking responsibility for both your yacht and crew.

Whether your ambition is to charter yachts on holiday, skipper your own boat or continue towards advanced offshore qualifications, this course provides the experience and confidence to take the next step in your sailing journey.

See the Course in Action

See the Course in Action

Course Overview

Course Overview

The ISSA Inshore Skipper Course is a comprehensive ten-day programme designed for sailors who are ready to take the next step from competent crew member to confident skipper. This integrated programme develops the practical skills, navigation knowledge and seamanship needed to safely skipper a sailing yacht in coastal waters.

Training combines classroom instruction with extensive practical experience on the water, allowing you to immediately apply what you learn. Throughout the course you'll develop confidence in navigation, pilotage, passage planning, yacht handling, marina manoeuvres, anchoring, weather interpretation, tides, collision regulations and crew management, while gaining valuable experience making decisions as skipper under the guidance of experienced instructors. As your confidence and experience develop, you'll progressively take responsibility for planning passages, making navigational decisions and managing both your yacht and crew in realistic sailing situations.

On successful completion, you'll be awarded the internationally recognised ISSA Inshore Skipper Certificate, demonstrating your ability to plan and undertake coastal passages safely and confidently. The qualification also provides the ideal foundation for progressing to the ISSA Offshore Skipper Course.

Skills You'll Learn

Skills You'll Learn

Navigation & Passage Planning

  • Coastal navigation and chartwork
  • Pilotage techniques for entering and leaving harbours
  • Passage planning and voyage preparation
  • Position fixing using traditional and electronic methods
  • Buoyage systems and navigational marks
  • Tides, tidal streams and tidal calculations

Yacht Handling & Seamanship

  • Confident helming under sail and power
  • Marina manoeuvres and close-quarters boat handling
  • Anchoring techniques and safe anchorage selection
  • Sail trim and yacht performance
  • Boat systems, engines and routine onboard checks
  • Ropework and practical seamanship

Safety & Decision Making

  • Collision Regulations (COLREGS)
  • Weather forecasting and interpreting forecasts
  • Risk assessment and safe decision making
  • Emergency procedures and crew-overboard recovery
  • VHF radio communications
  • Safety equipment and emergency planning

Skipper Responsibilities

  • Taking command of a yacht and crew
  • Crew management and effective communication
  • Planning and conducting safe coastal passages
  • Building confidence as skipper through practical experience
  • Preparing for independent cruising and future offshore training

Official ISSA Student Textbook

Optional Study Guide - ISSA Student Textbook

The Official ISSA Inshore Skipper Student Textbook is available as an optional purchase and is an excellent companion to your practical training. Many students choose to purchase a copy .before their course to become familiar with the topics covered, while others use it afterwards as a valuable reference to reinforce the skills learned on the water.

Sample Pages:

  • ISSA PDF Handbook index page for inshore skipper textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about safety at sea
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about IALA buoyage and pilotage
  • ISSA PDF Handbook index page for inshore skipper textbook
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about safety at sea
  • ISSA PDF Handbook page displaying diagrams and information about navigation including chart symbols and chart datum
VIEW TEXTBOOK DETAILS

Course Availability

Course Availability

  • 7 Day Course once a month
  • Training Available from Cape Panwa & Mai Khao
  • Advanced Booking Recommended • Discounts may be Available
  • Available all year round • twice monthly

Select your preferred course dates and we'll confirm availability before any payment is required:

Select your preferred course dates and we'll confirm availability before any payment is required:

CHECK AVAILABILTY

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

Early Bird Booking Discounts*

  • NORMAL PRICE
  • Booking within 89 days • 32,000 thb
  • 90 Day Discount
  • Book in advance 90 days plus • 29,000 thb

Flexible payment options available, including PayPal, Wise, KBank and direct bank transfer.
Early booking discounts may be available for courses reserved more than 60 days in advance. Contact our team for current availability, payment options and booking assistance.

PAYPAL
Online Payment

WISE
Electronic Transfer

KBANK
KPlus Payments

BANK TRANSFER
Direct Bank Transfer

Ready to take the Next Step?

Ready to take the Next Step?

Send us your preferred dates and any questions, and our team will confirm availability and guide you through the next steps.

If this course sounds right for you, send us your preferred dates and details. We'll check availability, instructor scheduling and yacht allocation before confirming the next steps.

SEND COURSE ENQUIRY

Frequently Asked Questions about Sailing Courses

Yes. This course is designed for sailors who already have basic sailing knowledge and practical experience, such as the ISSA Yacht Crew qualification or equivalent. If you're unsure whether this course is suitable, please contact us and we'll be happy to advise.

On successful completion, you'll receive the internationally recognised ISSA Inshore Skipper Certificate, demonstrating your ability to skipper a sailing yacht safely in coastal waters and providing the ideal foundation for progressing to the ISSA Offshore Skipper Course.

This is a highly practical course, combining classroom instruction with extensive time on the water. Practical exercises are integrated throughout the programme, allowing you to apply your navigation, yacht handling and skipper decision-making skills in real sailing conditions.

Courses operate from two dedicated Sail in Asia locations. Cape Panwa offers direct access to Phuket's southern islands and longer cruising routes, while Mai Khao provides convenient access from Phuket Airport and a relaxed training environment. Compare Cape Panwa and Mai Khao training bases →

Waterproof roll bag, light deck shoes, shorts or long trousers, t shirt, sunglasses and sunblock.

Sailing Gloves, SiA T shirts, SiA Caps and Log Books.

Course fees typically include tuition, use of training vessels, certification fees where applicable and course materials. Specific inclusions are listed on each course page.

Yes. We can recommend a range of nearby accommodation options to suit different budgets and locations. Please contact us before booking if you'd like advice on the most convenient place to stay.

We accept a range of payment options, including credit card, Wise, KBank transfers and international bank transfer. Our team will confirm the most suitable payment method when your course availability has been confirmed.

Early booking and multiple course discounts may be available from time to time. Please contact us to discuss current offers and availability.

Your Sailing Journey Continues Here

Building on your existing sailing knowledge and practical experience, the ISSA Inshore Skipper Course develops the confidence, navigation skills and seamanship needed to safely skipper a yacht in coastal waters. Our experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way in a relaxed, supportive and professional learning environment.

Need advice before booking?
Whether you have questions about course suitability, available dates, accommodation or the next stage of your sailing journey, our team is happy to help.
Contact us by email or WhatsApp — we're here to help.

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