The following description of the American Sailing Association is from the ASA Official International Log Book:

Since 1990 Neptune Sailing Club has served as a training facility for club members who wish to obtain certification through the first three ASA standards which are 1) Basic Keelboat Sailing, 2) Basis Coastal Cruising, and 3) Bareboat Chartering. As of October 1991, the club’s Board of Directors made certification through the first two standards a requirement for members who wish to be authorized to sail single-handed and/or sail after dark. By working to achieve these standards, club members extend as well as deepen their sailing knowledge, seamanship skills and receive recognition for their accomplishments.

While NSC provides the facilities for ASA certification, the cost of the training and testing is borne by club members who enroll in the courses. On-the-water instruction for the Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Charter Standards is done on a Catalina 30 or Ericson 27 sailboat. Training and testing for the Basic Keelboat Standard, the Basic Coastal Cruising Standard, and the Basic Charter Standards is provided by Coast Guard-license and  ASA-certified instructors Jim Maji and Dave Mowrer.

For club members who completed their basic sailing training through Neptune very little more is required to meet the Basic Keelboat Standard. The class normally consists of two evening sessions. One is devoted to a review of basic knowledge and an advanced discussion of rules including an explanation of the Traffic Separation Scheme on Puget Sound. The second session is devoted to a written test of sailing knowledge. Additionally, some members may be required to take an on-the-water test of skills. The fee for this course is $65 for those who do not require an additional on-the-water test and includes the ASA Log Book, a Study Guide and a registered ASA examination. Members interested in taking this class should e-mail info@neptunesailing.org.

Those who have completed certification for the Basic Keelboat Standard are eligible to enroll in the class for the Basic Coastal Cruising Standard. This class covers advanced terminology, advanced rules, chart reading, aids to navigation, safety, anchoring, emergencies, and handling larger sailboats under power. The class consists of 5 to 6 evening lecture sessions and at least one 3-hour on-the-water training session on a Catalina 30 or an Ericson 27. The fee of $165 covers the lectures and on-the-water training as well as extensive handouts, the ASA text Chartering Fundamentals, a book of chart symbols, a training chart, and the registered ASA written examination booklet. Similar training at other facilities would cost over $200. The class will be offered at any time when at least 5 members are willing to enroll. Contact Dave Mowrer at info@neptunesailing.org if you wish to be notified the next time the class is offered.