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 Coastal Cruising Study Companion
Direct answer
Independent U.S. coastal-cruising knowledge preparation for larger auxiliary-powered sailboats, systems, anchoring, docking, weather, navigation, and emergencies. Independent study companion mapped to the published ASA 103 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
- $39 once
- Course size
- 10 modules
- Access
- Lifetime access
- Format
- Independent online study companion
Course route
Learn the knowledge, then take it afloat with an instructor
Cruising Boat Systems
Hull, rig, steering, electrical, water, sanitation, and pre-departure checks.
Open moduleAuxiliary Diesel Operation
Fuel, air, cooling, lubrication, starting, stopping, and first-response troubleshooting.
Open moduleDocking and Close-Quarters Planning
Wind, current, prop walk, spring lines, approach plans, and abort points.
Open moduleAnchoring and Mooring
Ground tackle, scope, holding ground, swing room, setting, monitoring, and recovery.
Open moduleSail Handling and Reefing
Reefing, sail combinations, heavy-weather preparation, heaving-to awareness, and crew coordination.
Open moduleCoastal Navigation and NOAA Charts
Position, course, depth, hazards, NOAA ENC/Custom Chart context, and route monitoring.
Open moduleTides, Currents, and Depth
NOAA predictions, tidal height, current set and drift, under-keel clearance, and local effects.
Open moduleWeather for Coastal Cruising
NWS products, fronts, pressure, wind shifts, advisories, thunderstorms, fog, and local limits.
Open moduleInland and International Navigation Rules
Rule scope, lights, shapes, sound signals, narrow channels, and U.S. Inland distinctions.
Open moduleCoastal Emergencies and Assistance
Crew overboard, grounding, flooding, fire, towing, distress communication, and Coast Guard assistance.
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 103 published certification standard
Used only to map independent knowledge preparation and practical-awareness boundaries.
- 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.
- NOAA U.S. Chart No. 1
Primary reference for symbols, abbreviations, and terms used on NOAA nautical charts.
- NOAA Tides and Currents
Primary source for official tide and current predictions.
- National Weather Service marine forecasts
Primary source for U.S. marine forecasts, warnings, and regional forecast offices.