How did I get here?
In fact, it's quite simple: I've met boaters who've asked me where and how to get training, because they'd just bought a catamaran to sail around the world, but had no sailing experience.
A quick aside: It's true that in France there's a paradox: anyone can sail, even without any skills or knowledge. So why focus on the offshore license for sailors? Because there's no legal obligation to do so, but the offshore license gives you the information you need to plan your sailings, calculate the tides and know the weather. It's ideal for a round-the-world trip or even for deep-sea fishing, because sometimes the fish are further away than 6 miles from the coast.
Why did I decide to take the test?
I've been rocked on Friday nights by Thalassa and I confess to having read a few books and followed a few adventurers of the seas, like Yann Quenet and his Baluchon. I simply love the sea.
Sailing offshore, beyond 6 nautical miles, gives me incredible freedom.
With an offshore sailing license, I can explore without limits, and master the rules of navigation. It's also a great way to gain confidence as a sailor.
Passing your offshore licence as an independent candidate, my opinion
Here are the options available to prepare for the offshore licence exam:
- By contacting your boat school (since the license is an extension of the coastal license)
- As an independent candidate, you can search the Internet for all the information you need in "free" mode (be careful, there's a lot to eat and drink, so don't get lost with all this information)
- As an independent candidate, but using a professional and individual formula that gives me the time to learn at HIS own pace.
When I thought about the three options, the idea of taking my ocean racing license as an independent candidate immediately appealed to me. I like to learn at my own pace, concentrating on what I need to improve. This solution also enabled me to cut costs, since I didn't have to take a traditional training course. Of course, the offshore license exam requires real preparation, but with discipline, it's perfectly feasible.
One thing led to another, and I opted for the e-learning training solution. As a result, I became the first to develop these 3 activities "Training-Navigation-Rental", but that's for the record. And now, let's get back to business!
Online training: a choice for greater freedom
As I work a lot, an online course seemed to be the best solution. I was able to follow well-designed courses, with videos, exercises and even mock exams. I could progress at my own pace, when I had the time, and all from home. Honestly, it's made my life a lot easier, and with 6 months' access, it's given me plenty of time to prepare smoothly.
How did I find a cheap offshore licence?
Like many people, I wanted to get a cheap offshore license without cutting back on the quality of the training. By taking my offshore license as an independent candidate, I saved on traditional courses. But I also found online courses at very reasonable prices. Not having to travel was also a real plus for my budget.
Preparing for the offshore licence exam: My advice
To pass the offshore license exam, I organized myself well. I took the time to learn navigation, tidal calculations and safety rules. I also did a lot of practice tests. And thanks to online training and videoconferencing, I was able to fill in all the gaps before the big day.
In conclusion
Passing my offshore license is a great adventure. Whether you choose a boat school or online training, and whether you prefer to take your offshore license as an independent candidate, there are options to suit all budgets and timetables. With a little research and preparation, you can even find an inexpensive offshore license and sail freely on the high seas this summer.
