All ISAF Member National Authorities (MNAs) with an established National Training Programme (NTP) for Sailing can apply for ISAF Recognized Training. The ISAF Recognized Training Accreditation provides a framework against which an NTP [dinghy, multihull, windsurf, kiteboard, keelboat / yacht] can be audited and mapped to internationally recognized 'best practice' guidelines, ensure certain core elements are in place and at a sustainable level. The process is based on the programme contents of the ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme document (LSTP) which is not intended to be a totally prescriptive or exclusive list of items to be considered by an MNA, just the core of what would need to be demonstrated during the ISAF Audit and practised by the National Sail Trainig programme to reach a required minimum international standard. Core items that must be shown to be in place at a suitable level are clearly identified.

An ISAF NominatedExpert will use the ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme as a master reference but will of course take into consideration the specific local, cultural and geographical conditions and resultant objectives of each MNA National Sail Training Programme (NTP).

ISAF Recognized Training Accreditation can benefit an MNA for the following reasons:

1. Funding: Other than for elite athlete development (Olympics) Government funding for sport development will often only be provided to sports that have an independently recognised sport delivery program. ISAF provides such recognition. This particularly applies to new and emerging nations which ISAF needs to attract.

2. Safety: Other than for elite athlete development (Olympics) Government funding for sport development will often only be provided to sports that have an independently recognised sport delivery program. ISAF provides such recognition. This particularly applies to new and emerging nations which ISAF needs to attract.

3. Vlue of awards: Recognition implies a high standard of best practice supported by the use of the ISAF brand. This in turn means that training awards have an international value to those they are awarded to, both students and coaches.

4. Continual access to 'best practice': 'Recognition' is joining the ISAF Training Family and provides constant access to shared information about improvements in equipment, changes to standards and the latest training techniques.

5. Maintenance of high quality standards: Recognition is a rolling process involving periodic re assessment thus ensuring continuity of high standards

Use the 'Learn to Sail' menu from the drop down link above to find out how to get Accreditation and to find out more about the Member National Authorities who have already completed the Accreditation process.

The process will be in the form of a visit and inspection of both the national training headquarters and to a sample of active training centres / clubs. A standard information form or 'score sheet' should be used as a prerequisite to the accreditation visit. This will contain all of the relevant data to assist the inspection process, to be completed by the MNA and submitted to the ISAF Training and Development Manager with the request for an initial inspection.

The accreditation programme is envisaged as a progressive and continuous process.

Training Reviews
For MNAs wishing to undergo the Inspection for ISAF Recognized Training status but who are in need of guidance on the 'level' of their current programme, ISAF is able to fully fund a maximum of three Training Review visits per year. The ISAF Nominated Expert will visit your MNA and help you to complete an audit of all criteria covered in the official accreditation guidelines in order to offer advice for further development (if needed) or to confirm that the programme is ready for full inspection.

Applicants for this are considered on a case by case basis and all enquiries should be made to the ISAF Training and Development Department.