Story by Scott Reynolds.
As Australian Sailing and clubs across the country look for new ways to grow participation and inclusivity in our sport, it’s important to recognise that sailing truly can welcome everyone — including those with certified assistance dogs.
Thanks to veteran-led programs like the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SVSP), this inclusive approach is already a lived reality. Veterans, family members, and their certified assistance dogs have become a seamless part of regular training, racing, and social sailing events nationwide. In fact, SVSP has welcomed no fewer than 14 assistance dogs across its programs to date, with one or two dogs often present at any given session — proving that these loyal companions can confidently and comfortably take to the water alongside their handlers.
Under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act, certified assistance dogs are legally entitled to full public access, with only limited exceptions (such as commercial kitchens or sterile medical facilities). This right includes marinas, yacht clubs, pontoons, safety boats, and sailing vessels — making it clear that the sailing community must be ready to accommodate these important working teams.
What is a Certified Assistance Dog?
Certified assistance dogs are not pets or companion animals — they are highly trained, government-certified working dogs that perform essential tasks to support people living with disability or medical conditions.
These dogs are easily identifiable by their official working jacket or harness and must have successfully passed a Public Access Test (PAT) — a nationally recognised assessment that confirms their behaviour, control, and suitability in public environments. Handlers are also issued a government-approved identification card, which must be carried when the dog is working in public places, including yacht clubs and marinas.
Types of certified assistance dogs include:
- Guide Dogs for vision impairment
- Hearing Dogs for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Medical Alert or Response Dogs for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and diabetes
These animals are essential to their handler’s confidence, independence, and daily functioning — both on land and at sea.
A Positive Shift in Club Culture
The reception at more sailing clubs is becoming significantly more positive, thanks to the continued education of staff, volunteers, and patrons. From race committees and marina staff to office teams and fellow sailors, there is a growing understanding of the importance of welcoming assistance dogs as an essential part of the sailing community.
Handlers and dogs alike enjoy the freedom to sail, train, and socialise without barriers — proving that with only minor inclusive adjustments, yacht clubs and training centres can create safe, respectful environments where everyone — including those with wagging tails — feels welcome and included.
How Your Club Can Help
If your club wants to better support sailors, volunteers, or visitors with certified assistance dogs, here are some simple and practical steps to consider:
- Welcome assistance dogs in all appropriate areas, including pontoons, clubhouses, and marinas
- Create safe “dog waiting zones” onshore (such as shaded, quiet spaces near the hardstand)
- Brief race, safety boat, and marina teams on inclusion principles — calm, clear understanding goes a long way
- Engage directly with handlers to understand any specific needs or preferences
Remember: every handler-dog team is different. Respectful communication and flexibility are key to making everyone feel safe and supported.
Sailing Changes Lives — For Handler and Dog Alike
For many veterans and community members, an assistance dog is not just a companion — they are an essential part of their handler’s wellbeing, confidence, and independence. Their presence enables more people to enjoy the joy, challenge, and connection that sailing offers.
So next time you see paws on the pontoon or a wagging tail aboard a boat, remember: certified assistance dogs are sailors too — and they’re helping make sailing a more inclusive sport for all.
A Word of Thanks
We gratefully acknowledge the leadership and inclusive spirit shown by Mooloolaba Yacht Club, Manly Yacht Club, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, and Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club — all of whom have warmly welcomed handlers and their assistance dogs into their sailing communities.
Want to Make Your Club More Assistance Dog-Inclusive?
We’re happy to share advice, lessons learned, and practical tips from the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project to help your club become more welcoming to these important teams.
For more information contact
