Compass Revision is an independent study platform. It is not affiliated with, approved by, or endorsed by American Sailing. These companions do not award certification and do not replace instruction, on-water practice, or assessment through an authorized school and instructor.
Compass USACompass USA study companion
Basic Keelboat Study Companion
Direct answer
Independent U.S. knowledge preparation for beginning keelboat sailors, using American terminology, USATONS/IALA Region B, and federal safety context. Independent study companion mapped to the published ASA 101 knowledge standard. Not affiliated with, approved by, or endorsed by American Sailing. Completion does not award certification or replace on-water instruction and assessment.
- Price
- $29 once
- Course size
- 9 modules
- Access
- Lifetime access
- Format
- Independent online study companion
Course route
Learn the knowledge, then take it afloat with an instructor
Boat Language and Keelboat Parts
Hull, rig, sails, controls, directions, and clear American sailing vocabulary.
Open moduleWind, Points of Sail, and Trim
Apparent wind, points of sail, sail shape, telltales, and balanced trim.
Open moduleManeuvers and Crew Communication
Tacking, jibing, heading up, bearing away, heaving-to awareness, and crew calls.
Open moduleKnots, Lines, and Loads
Core knots, line handling, cleats, winches, chafe, and loaded-line hazards.
Open moduleNavigation Rules Foundations
Lookout, safe speed, risk of collision, sailing-vessel encounters, and responsibilities.
Open moduleUSATONS and IALA Region B
Lateral and non-lateral aids, red right returning, daymarks, regulatory marks, and chart symbols.
Open moduleFederal Safety Baseline
PFDs, visual distress signals, sound devices, lights, fire protection, and state-law checks.
Open moduleWeather and Sailing Decisions
NWS marine forecasts, wind shifts, local effects, sea state, visibility, and conservative limits.
Open moduleEmergencies and Practical Readiness
Crew overboard priorities, capsize and grounding awareness, emergency communication, and practical-skill boundaries.
Open moduleWhat the companion includes
Clear knowledge and practical boundaries
- Original lessons and explanations
- 18 questions and 12 flashcards per module
- Three 40-question mixed knowledge assessments
- U.S. terminology, IALA Region B, federal and NOAA context
- Practical-awareness prompts clearly separated from assessed knowledge
Not included
- American Sailing certification or an official exam
- Instructor-observed practical assessment
- Copied textbook or examination questions
- State-by-state legal advice
- A guarantee that a charter operator will accept a qualification or resume
Editorial record
Primary-source review
Course content is original to Compass and reviewed against published standards and current U.S. government sources. State, local, vessel-specific, and operator requirements must be checked separately.
- American Sailing ASA 101 published certification standard
Used only to map independent knowledge preparation and practical-awareness boundaries. Compass does not reproduce American Sailing courseware or assessments.
- U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules
Primary reference for International and Inland navigation-rule distinctions.
- U.S. Aids to Navigation System guide
Primary reference for lateral, non-lateral, regulatory, ICW, and western-river aids used in U.S. waters.
- U.S. Coast Guard federal requirements for recreational boats
Federal baseline only. State and local requirements can add obligations and must be checked separately.
- National Weather Service marine forecasts
Primary source for U.S. marine forecasts, warnings, and regional forecast offices.