What is the very first step to start the Sailing skill in OSRS?

The first step is typically completing the **introductory Sailing quest** or tutorial, which grants you a starter boat and basic knowledge of the skill's mechanics.

Where is the main starting location for Sailing?

The skill often begins at a major port city like **Port Sarim**, **Port Phasmatys**, or a new designated **Sailing Hub** where the tutorial or starter Shipyard is located.

Do I need any other skill requirements to start Sailing?

The skill typically starts at level 1, but having a low level in **Construction** or **Woodcutting** may be beneficial for early ship repairs and supplies.

OSRS Sailing Where to Start Guide

© gamerblurb.com | Published on 11/20/2025 at 12:18 AM CST (USA)

Old School RuneScape (OSRS)

Starting Sailing can feel like a lot the first time you load into the docks, so this guide shows the exact first steps you take after logging in and how the game pushes you into your raft and the early oceans.

Where You Officially Start Sailing

You begin Sailing by completing the quest Pandemonium. Talk to Will and Anne on the Port Sarim docks to start it. The quest teaches you the basics, walks you through your first controls, shows you how docking works, and ends by giving you your first boat, the raft.

Finishing Pandemonium also gives you the Captain’s Log and unlocks the east dock at Pandemonium, which is where your raft stays until you board it.

What You Do Right After the Quest

Your first real training starts with sea charting and courier tasks. These are the two beginner methods the game expects you to use.

Charting sends you around the Ardent Ocean to mark simple discovery points. Each one gives a small chunk of XP. Courier tasks are normal crate deliveries you pick up from the notice boards at ports. They give XP and small early materials.

These two methods carry you from level 1 to 15 while you learn the controls and move around the shallow water safely.

How You Actually Board and Control Your Raft

Walk onto the Pandemonium east dock after the quest and click the gangplank to board your raft. Once you are on deck, walk to the helm at the back. Clicking the helm switches you into navigation mode.

A white arrow appears around your boat showing your direction. Clicking the water sets your heading. Use the speed arrows in the navigation tab to move forward or reverse. You can stop instantly by clicking unset.

Wind gusts appear around your sails as you move. Clicking the sails trims them for a short speed boost. These boosts make early routes feel smoother.

Your First Unlocks As You Level

Sailing opens up steadily across the first few levels.

Level 1 lets you do basic tasks and charting
Level 7 lets you run 2 tasks at the same time
Level 12 allows the second Sailing quest
Level 15 unlocks the skiff and shipwreck salvaging
Level 22 opens another quest and new sea routes
Level 28 lets you run 3 tasks at once

Level 15 is the biggest jump because the skiff moves faster and works in more seas.

Where You Are Allowed to Sail Early On

Early Sailing keeps you close to the Ardent Ocean. These seas are shallow and safe enough for the raft to handle. Deeper water slows small hulls, so stick to coastal areas until your upgrades improve.

New islands unlock over time as your Sailing level rises and as you complete quests. Pandemonium is your main hub and you come back there often until you reach the skiff.

Quick Tips For a Smooth Start

Do all early chart marks for one time XP
Complete Pandemonium before anything else
Use the Port Sarim notice board for short routes
Keep your raft repaired at every dock
Explore new islands whenever the game lets you

Final Blurb

Starting Sailing becomes simple once you follow the quest path and board your raft from Pandemonium. From there you use charting and courier runs to build up early XP until the skiff unlocks. Keep moving through each quest, each notice board, and each chart route and the oceans open up fast.