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Ratings are the way that the Staff knows how much you know about sailing. There are a lot of ratings at the MIT Sailing Pavilion because there is a lot to know about sailing and many types of boats at MIT.

The table below lists all the current ratings. The table is ordered somewhat in the cronological order you would get a rating, but not necessarily. The level column indicates the proficiency level in sailing for that test. The boats colum indicates the boats you can use with that rating. The wind column indicates under what wind conditions you can use the boats.

The Guide column provides a link to study guides and/or a checkoff sheet that the the staff use to determine if you are ready for a rating.

Rating	L	Description	Boats	Wind	Guide
Swim	0	The most basic rating needed to take out a boat. It indicates that you have either passed the MIT Boating Test (at the Z-Center pool), or that you are over 21 and have indicated you know how to swim to the same level.	Tech Dinghy	Low	n/a
Provisional	1	Involves performing basic sailing maneuvers, demonstrating rigging and unrigging, and showing an understanding of safety precautions and right-of-way rules.	Tech Dinghy Lynx Catboat Laser Sailboard	Medium	PDF
Crew	2	Involves demonstrating general nautical knowledge, terminology, knots, splices, etc. Our booklet, Sailing the Tech Dinghy, covers the crew test (as well as the material in the provisional).			PDF
Helmsman	3	Requires a solo sailing demonstration in a Tech Dinghy in a strong wind — 18 to 20 knots. The Helmsman involves sailing upwind showing good hiking technique and use of the tiller extension, followed by a series of jibes going down wind, as well as demonstrating the man-overboard procedure.	Tech Dinghy Lynx Catboat Laser FJ	Strong
Lynx	2	Allows you to sail the Lynx Catboats in medium-strong winds, as well as during moonlight sails. You need the Lynx rating, plus experience, to lead a Harbor trip.	Lynx Catboat	Medium-Strong
Laser	3	There are two Laser ratings: basic and advanced.	Laser	Strong
Firefly	3	There are two Firefly ratings: basic and advanced.	Firefly	Medium-Strong
420	3	There are two 420 ratings: basic and advanced.	420	Medium-Strong
Moth	3	There are two Moth ratings: basic and advanced. Moth ratings can only be assigned by the Dock Master.	Moth	Medium-Strong
Bluewater	2-3	There are two bluewater ratings: crew and skipper. The crew rating shows mastery of skills such as helmsmanship, sail trim, line handling, and docking. Those with a skipper rating may schedule trips and captain MIT's bluewater sailboat in Boston Harbor.	Bluewater Boat	All	Crew Skipper
Board Sailing	2-3	There are three levels of board sailing ratings. The beginner rating is received after completion of the introduction to wind surfing class. The basic rating is for those who can handle winds up to 15 knots. The advanced rating is for those who have shown ability to sail upwind and in strong wind conditions.	Sailboard	Medium-Strong
Sailing Team			Tech Dinghy FJ 420 Firefly Laser