Do I Need a Sailing License, Certification, or VHF Radio Permit to Charter a Yacht?
When chartering a yacht, the legal and operational requirements vary widely by region. These often include proof of sailing competence, documented experience, and in many cases a VHF radio license. Below is a detailed overview of typical global charter requirements for a sailing license, a sailing resume, and a VHF radio authorization.
Key Definitions
- Sailing Certification: A certificate indicating you have completed a course (both theory and practical), but it doesn’t always equal full competence in the eyes of charter companies.
- Sailing License: A recognized certificate issued by a national or international authority (e.g., ICC, RYA, or ASA) that legally confirms that you're qualified to skipper.
- Sailing Resume: A detailed personal logbook of your sailing experience, including hours on the water, types of boats helmed, and training courses.
- VHF Radio License: Certification to legally operate a VHF marine radio. In Croatia and Italy, someone on board (not necessarily the skipper) must hold a valid VHF Short Range Certificate.
| Region | Sailing License / Certification | Sailing Resume Required | VHF Radio License Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean (Croatia, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain) | Yes, ICC, RYA, ASA, or equivalent | Yes | Yes (required in Croatia and Italy) |
| Caribbean | Sometimes not required (depends on the charter company) | Yes | NO |
| Indian Ocean (Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius) |
Often required | Yes | Depends on country/operator |
| Pacific (Tahiti, Fiji, Vanuatu) |
Varies, ICC/RYA or good sailing resume accepted | Yes | Sometimes, check with the charter base |
| Belize | Yes | Yes | No |
| South East Asia | Not generally required (required in Thailand) | Yes | Varies by country (required in Thailand) |
The type of license you need may depend on your home country as well as the local regulations of the charter destination. Worldwide recognized options include:
- ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft), formerly called the International Certificate of Competence
- RYA Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Practical Certificates (UK)
- ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Certificate (USA)
- International Sailing License and Credentials (SLC)
- International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)
Or an equivalent license issued by a recognized national sailing authority.
Some destinations have clearly defined requirements. For example:
Greece:
According to the latest guideline provided by the Greek Port Authorities, for bareboat sailing in Greece, the skipper must have one of the following certifications (or equivalent) as a minimum, as required by the law:
- ICC Sail Certification
- RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course Certification
- ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Certification
If the skipper does not have any of the above certifications, he will not be legally allowed to charter a yacht in Greece.
All skippers who hold an RYA Day Skipper certificate have to apply for an ICC sail certification by using the following link and have the ICC certification before their charter in Greece. In any other case, they will not be legally allowed to charter a yacht in Greece. ICC APPLY.
The "Co-skipper" is not required to have a recognized qualification, but they must be over 18 years of age and suitably experienced to assist the skipper if needed.
Croatia:
Croatia maintains an official list of accepted licenses for bareboat charter, making it one of the stricter and more formal authorities in Europe. Licenses on this list are generally accepted worldwide. Check the list.
Italy:
Bareboat charter in Italy requirements: a qualified skipper with a valid sailing certificate and VHF.
In Italy, there is no official list of recognized certificates. Most national skipper certificates will suffice. The following certificates are accepted in Italy:
- ICC (International Certificate of Competency)
- UK – RYA Day Skipper practical
- USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
- Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See“
- Belgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet / Brevet de conduite général
- France – Le Permis Plaisance
How to Obtain the Necessary Skipper Qualification
- RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence): Recognized worldwide under UN Resolution 40; NauticEd can facilitate acquisition. Requires a practical on-water assessment.
- NauticEd SLC (Sailing License and Credentials): USA Coast Guard-approved, meets American National Standards EDU-3, ensures competence and legal compliance.
In most destinations, you can find local training centers and sailing schools where you can obtain skipper qualifications. If you are looking for a sailing school and training in Croatia, we recommend: Adriatic Nautica Academy - Ana Sail.
Even if a license is not legally required in certain regions, having a globally recognized qualification provides peace of mind and ensures that your sailing skills meet professional standards.
Tip: If you plan to charter across multiple regions, choose a license that is widely accepted internationally. Both ICC and NauticEd’s SLC are designed for global recognition, making them safe choices for bareboat charters worldwide.
If you’re uncertain about your license’s validity for a specific destination, send it over before confirming your charter, and we’ll help clarify.
Give us a call or drop an email, We`ll answer you within 24 hours