text: [QUOTE=PaulinVictoria;856349]Welcome :)
  The ASA is just a set of certifications from the US, there are equivalents in different parts of the world so don't get too hung up on them. Charter companies will recognise equivalent certifications from CYA, RYA etc. As far as I am aware, there are no "theory-only" certificates (aside from the basic rules and regs type ones), they all involve getting out there and doing it. You can often get some of the certs on week-long cruise and learn type places.[/QUOTE]