If you have already completed recognised maritime or sea survival training, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) towards the Australian Sailing Safety & Sea Survival Course (SSSC).
Depending on the qualification you already hold, Australian Sailing may recognise some of the practical and theory components you have previously completed. You will still need to meet the assessment requirements that apply to your RPL pathway.
Above & Beyond Boating provides the online Safety & Sea Survival e-learning and assessment required for this process.
Who can apply for RPL?
Australian Sailing provides RPL pathways for people who have completed a range of recognised maritime and sea survival qualifications.
These include certain AMSA maritime qualifications, STCW training, RYA qualifications and other recognised sea survival training.
The exemptions available depend on the qualification you hold, when you completed the training and the evidence you can provide.
Before enrolling, check the current Australian Sailing RPL requirements to confirm whether your existing qualification is eligible and which components you must complete.
Complete your SSSC assessment online
If your RPL pathway requires you to complete the Safety & Sea Survival assessment, you can enrol and complete it online with Above & Beyond Boating.
As part of your enrolment fee, we also provide complimentary access to our complete Safety & Sea Survival e-learning course.
We encourage you to review the course before attempting the assessment. It gives you an opportunity to refresh your knowledge and review the Australian Sailing Safety & Sea Survival content before being assessed.
You are not required to work through the course learning if your RPL pathway exempts you from the theory component. If you would prefer to have access to the assessment only, let us know after enrolling, and we can restrict your course access to the assessment.
As part of your enrolment fee, we also provide complimentary access to our complete Safety & Sea Survival e-learning course.
We encourage you to review the course before attempting the assessment. It gives you an opportunity to refresh your knowledge and review the Australian Sailing Safety & Sea Survival content before being assessed.
You are not required to work through the course learning if your RPL pathway exempts you from the theory component. If you would prefer to have access to the assessment only, let us know after enrolling, and we can restrict your course access to the assessment.
How the RPL process works
1. Confirm that your existing qualification meets Australian Sailing's current RPL requirements and check which components you are exempt from.
3. Complete the required Safety & Sea Survival assessment online with Above & Beyond Boating.
4. Once you have successfully completed the required assessment, you can lodge your RPL application and supporting evidence directly with Australian Sailing.
Important information about RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning is assessed and approved by Australian Sailing, not Above & Beyond Boating.
You have 12 months from the date of enrolment to complete your Safety & Sea Survival assessment with Above & Beyond Boating. Once you successfully complete the assessment, you have 12 months from the assessment date to lodge your RPL application with Australian Sailing.
The five-year renewal date for the Australian Sailing Safety & Sea Survival qualification is set from the date you completed the wet drill for your existing qualification.
Before enrolling, you should confirm that your existing qualification meets Australian Sailing's current RPL requirements and that your previous training remains eligible.
Ready to complete your SSSC assessment?
If your existing qualification makes you eligible for the Australian Sailing RPL pathway, you can enrol online and get started straight away.
Your enrolment includes two attempts at the Safety & Sea Survival assessment. We also provide complimentary access to the complete Safety & Sea Survival e-learning course and practice assessments to give you the best possible opportunity to prepare.
We encourage you to review the course before sitting the assessment, as some recognised qualifications may not cover all of the content included in the Australian Sailing Safety & Sea Survival Course. For example, STCW and some shipboard safety training can have a greater focus on larger commercial vessels, while the Australian Sailing course is focused on safety and survival for recreational sailing and motor vessels.
Reviewing the course and completing the practice assessments can help identify and address any gaps in your knowledge before you attempt the assessment.
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