Sailing Magazine
By Richard Crockett
Way back in days of yore the Cruising Association of South Africa (CASA) had a completely voluntary “certificate of competence” system that yachties could avail themselves of to certify their competence.
This was a rigorous exam where quality time at sea was of utmost importance, plus good knowledge of the “Rules of the Road” and much more. Those who took the exam and passed had a highly envied qualification.
Back in 1981 Commander Peter Noice of the Royal Navy, who in his capacity as an examiner of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), had been invited to this country by CASA to “examine” CASA’s own examiners of applicants for certificates of competency. The relationship at that time between CASA and the RYA was highly co-operative.
One wonders whether the current certificates are held in such high regard?
READ MORE HERE: 1981 05 13 – 004223 – OCR_Redacted
