ISAF Accreditation given to Netherlands National Training Programme

by ISAF on 2 Sep 2010 ISAF - Following an informative Training Review last May, the Netherlands National Training Programme passed an inspection, from 16 - 19 August, to become the second such scheme to gain full ISAF Accreditation within the Learn to Sail Programme.

After the four-day inspection, the Netherlands Watersportverbond and its CWO training system received international recognition for their training programmes. Watersportverbond President Hugo Snoekc was justifiably pleased when he said, 'We are proud of this recognition, it proves that our training is well and soundly put together'.

The inspection involved a thorough scrutiny of the training scheme administration followed by visits to three sailing schools and one sailing club to ensure that there was both consistency and integrity throughout the programme.

When satisfied that the programme is comprehensive and sustainable, the inspector, Andy Jeffrey, commented,

'The Watersportverbond and its training programme delivered through the CWO has evolved over many years and consequently it is well suited to meet the requirements of the ISAF Learn to Sail Programme. The Watersportverbond is a small but energetic and enthusiastic team that shows commitment to the task of both keeping their training relevant and making it available as widely as possible in the Netherlands.'

The majority of the CWO training is delivered through sailing schools with participants drawn from anywhere in the Netherlands. The schools introduce several hundred young people to sailing each year. The retention rate of participants is very high with most of those introduced to the sport returning each year to progress through the various levels of competency offered by the scheme.

The Watersportverbond Manager, Youth and Training Development, Christoffel van Hees, commented,

'The inspection was an intensive, thorough but also very inspiring process. During the ISAF inspection the ISAF Inspector Andy Jeffrey looked at the training structure, method of quality assurance, the level of training and lessons and a wide range of safety. The feedback given by Andy after his observations was highly welcome, as ingrained habits are sharper seen through foreign eyes.'

In addition to the sailing schools, there are a number of clubs that deliver local training. The Watersportverbond is currently working hard to integrate the CWO training system throughout the affiliated clubs. Observations made at one club during the inspection confirmed that the CWO programme delivered by qualified instructors is equally suited to the club environment as it is to the schools from where it has originated.

Whilst recognising the task ahead for him and his CWO Training Co-ordinator, Jelle de Witt, Christoffel commented,

'With the ISAF accreditation the Watersportverbond expects to give a quality impulse to the whole system. Firstly to live up to the ISAF standards and secondly that more coaches and instructors will complete their training as the worldwide recognition will give a higher status to the Watersportverbond and CWO diplomas. Watersportverbond hopes that many more MNA’s will join the ISAF accreditation system shortly, as it is the basis of a worldwide standard.'

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