Notes on the Proposed Grade Standards
Download the latest version of the grade standards
Toronto Brigantine Inc (TBI) has a long history of sail training. The organization began operating in 1964, and since then an estimated 10,000 crew members have benefited from their experience with our program. It is important to note that not only does TBI teach participants how to sail, but also encourages the development of leadership, discipline, and citizenship. Although not all participants continue with careers in the marine industry most of the skills they learn at TBI continue to serve them well wherever life takes them.
The grade standards are modified from time-to-time in order to best meet the current social climate and regulatory requirements. Over the past 45 years the TBI grade standards have been influenced by other organizations (such as the Canadian Navy and the Canadian Yachting Association), as well as influencing the development of other organizations (such as the Canadian Sail Training Association).
Due to recent changes in the Canadian Shipping Act as well as Transport Canada Marine Safety (TCMS) regulations regarding Sail Training Vessels (STVs), TBI is currently overhauling the grade standards in order to meet the new requirements, as well as address some minor problems that were identified with the previous versions.
The grade standards should:
- Train participants to meet the STV crewing requirements as set out by TCMS;
- Provide the majority of the training required for participants to obtain a Captain's licence;
- Be realistically obtainable for the participants who are attending high school;
- Offer the participants something tangible they can take away, such as TCMS certification;
- Demonstrate to the marine industry that TBI is committed to continuing it's tradition of 1st class training.
Overview
Grade 1 (Lead Hand):
- Targeted at Trainees sailing their first course (age: ~14).
- Ideally they should be able to complete Grade 1 during their first course.
Grade 2 (Petty Officer):
- Targeted at 1st year WP participants (age: ~15).
- Ideally they should be able to complete Grade 2 during the Winter Program (WP) and following spring.
- Meets the bare minimum TCMS crew certification.
- Provides a basic introduction to both the VHF radio and navigation aids, so they have a better understanding of what is going on around them during their PO summer.
Grade 3 (Junior Officer):
- Targeted at 2nd year WP participants (age: ~16).
- Ideally they should be able to complete Grade 3 during the Winter Program (WP) and following spring.
- Meets the advanced TCMS crew certification.
- Provides a basic introduction to the rules of the road, chart-work, engineering systems so they have a better understanding of what is going on around them during their following summer.
- Gets the radio licence out of the way in order to reduce the workload the following year.
Grade 4 (Senior Officer):
- Targeted at 3rd year WP participants (age: ~17).
- Ideally they should be able to complete Grade 4 during the Winter Program (WP) and following spring.
- Meets the TCMS <60ton limited mate certification, except for age.
Grade 5 (Executive Officer):
- Targeted at 4th year WP participants (age: 18).
- Ideally they should be able to complete Grade 4 during the Winter Program (WP) and following spring.
- Meets the TCMS >60ton limited mate certification.