Australian Sailing has become World Sailing's 15th Member National Authority to receive Recognised Training status following an audit of their National Training Programme.

The audit, held from 23-24 April 2018, covered all aspects of their National Training Programme including coach details and training records, centre safety procedures, National Accreditation scheme and marketing of the programme.

The recognition lasts for four years and will undergo a renewal procedure in 2022.

Rob Holden, World Sailing Training Delivery Manager said, "When World Sailing inspects training schemes around the world, we require a minimum standard with a focus on safety and the training of coaches.

"Australian Sailing have a robust, well developed and well-managed scheme. They are a forward thinking Member National Authority and the work they are doing with online training is very impressive.

"After completing the audit, I was more than happy to propose to World Sailing's Development and Regions Committee that the Australian Sailing scheme is recognised by World Sailing."

An award for the recognition was presented to Ben Callard, Australian Sailing Regional Manager for Queensland, by World Sailing Vice-President Nadine Stegenwalner at the 2018 Development Symposium held at the beginning of May in Auckland, New Zealand.

Australian Sailing's Head of Programs, Education and Online Services, Chris Tate, commented, "We're extremely pleased to gain World Sailing's recognition for our suite of training programmes, including the supporting framework and the overall Sailing Pathway that Australian Sailing has created.

"A great deal of time, effort and resource has gone into developing each program and to be formally recognised is a reward to all those involved, from across Australia. With time we will look to leverage this great opportunity by co-branding all of our program logbooks and participant certificates, we feel the World Sailing logo will provide a further security and comfort for those participating in our Sport - representing safety and a world standard.

"Australian Sailing also looks forward to observing the Recognition Program that World Sailing is implementing and seeing it expand because a foreseeable benefit will one day be for Australian Sailing Instructors and Coaches having their qualifications recognised internationally and vice versa to those international instructors and coaches visiting Australia."

Following the presentation, Australian Sailing has started a new system rollout, beginning with a new accreditation period for all Discover Sailing Centres and Safety & Sea Survival Centres.

What Is Recognised Training?
Recognised training is a process through which World Sailing provides a framework against a Member National Authority's national training programme (NTP) [dinghy, multihull, windsurf, kiteboard, keelboat/yacht]. These can be audited and mapped to international 'best practice', ensuring that certain core elements are in place and at a sustainable level.

These elements include NTP organisation and management, safety regulations and regulatory compliance as well as maintaining performance standards and establishment of training centres.

An MNA's NTP is inspected through an audit conducted during a visit by a World Sailing Nominated Inspector, who reviews the head office centralised procedures and records as well as a number of training centres.