"Garry Beattie" wrote in
u:

Hi Guys.

I have been sailing for a stack of years, on anything from a 16' Hobie
to an 80 foot maxi.

I wouldn't mind now doing some courses to gain official certification
as a skipper etc.

I often hear people say that every time you go out in a boat it all
counts towards your hours and you can log it down as experience.

My question is "Log it where?" Do I need to commence a course before
starting to log my experience?......



My understanding is that you have to show 365 days on the water in a 5
year period to even sit for the test(s). If it's your own boat, your
boat log book is sufficient. If it's someone else's boat, you have to
have a signed document from the skipper. Check with the Coast Guard for
the form.