To become an FVQ Learn to Cruise instructor, you must have obtained the required Cruising Standard and all necessary pre-requisites. The certification process is held in three steps:

- the written exams, which usually take place at the end of January of each year;
- the pedagogy workshop (end of March/beginning of April);
- afloat evaluation (practical exam).

Basic cruising Instructor

This clinic introduces participants to teaching methods, lesson planning and student evaluation. During this course, participants must prepare and teach lessons covering content taught in the basic cruising standard. To pass this instructor's course, participants must possess the theoretical knowledge and technical skills covered in the basic and intermediate cruising standards, as well as mastery of the Rules of the Road and the Canadian Buoyage System.

Pre-requisites :

• Basic cruising and coastal navigation standards;
  
• Two years of sailing experience;
  
• Valid certificates in first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• A radio operator's restricted certificate (recommended but not mandatory)
• Valid certificates in Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
  

Intermediate Cruising Instructor

Applicants for this certificate must prove their ability to teach the concepts covered in the intermediate cruising standard. To pass this course, participants must possess the theoretical and technical knowledge covered in the intermediate cruising standard, as well as mastery of the Rules of the Road and the Canadian Buoyage System. They must also prove that they have the required practical skills.

Pre-requisites :

• Basic cruising instructor's certificate, as well as one year and 150 hours of experience as a basic cruising instructor;
  
• An advanced cruising standard;
  
• At least 17 days' experience as a skipper, during trips of least 3 days in duration;
  
• Certificates in first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
  
• A radio operator's restricted certificate.
  
  

Advanced Cruising Instructor

Clinic participants are evaluated on their ability to teach the skills covered in the advanced cruising standard and aspects of coastal navigation. To pass this instructor's course, participants must possess the theoretical and practical knowledge covered in the advanced cruising and coastal navigation standards, as well as mastery of the Rules of the Road and the Canadian Buoyage System.

Pre-requisites :

• Current affiliation with the FVQ as an intermediate-level instructor;
  
• 300 hours' experience as an FVQ-certified instructor, including two intermediate-level clinics, and 150 hours' of teaching experience on the water;
  
• At least 30 days' experience as a skipper, including at least five nights;
  
• Certificates in first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
  
• A radio operator's restricted certificate.
  
  

(For all instructor levels):

To be certified and authorized to award standards, instructors must pay their annual dues to the FVQ and hold the required valid documentation. An instructor's certificate is valid for 3 years.

Other cruising instructor's certification:

• Basic Keelboat Racing Instructor
  
• Coastal Navigation Instructor
  
• Advanced Navigation Instructor
  
• Celestial Navigation Instructor
  
• Offshore Sailing Instructor