You would like to rent a yacht on some of the world’s most popular yacht charter destinations? But is your sailing skipper license valid in that destination? Do I have to attend sailing school again for sailing in each country? We will address all this questions in this short article.
We will guide you through Croatia, Greece, Italy and Spain and their sailing licence requirements. In order to prepare you for your next sailing holidays.
Croatia
When thinking about Croatia, you are imagining more than 1,000 islands and islets scattered all over the coast. As well as warm and dry summers combined with the amazing sea colors. The skippers have to be at least 18 years old and in possession of a valid skipper license. Croatia with its numerous islands and small hidden bays is quite specific. So skipper has to be confident with anchoring and (Mediterranean) mooring in tight spaces.
The Following Sailing Licences and Permits Issued by Approved Organizations are Valid in Croatia:
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International
- RYA Day Skipper Course
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America
Issued by the Government or State:
- UK – MCA Master (Yacht less than 500 GT), RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate or above
- USA – US Sailing “Basic Keelboat”, ASA “103 Basic Coastal Cruising” or above
- Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See“ or above
- Belgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite général
- France – LE PERMIS PLAISANCE
- Croatia – Skipper license B-category or C-category
Also, a skipper is obligated to have a valid VHF Radio Operator licence.
Greece
Greece is well known for its picturesque white houses with blue windows and windmills. There are more than 3,000 islands and islets in Greece. You have to have in mind that distances between islands can be quite big. There should be a special caution given to the Meltemi winds which can be very strong during some parts of the year. In order to charter a yacht in Greece, there should be a licensed skipper and an experienced crew member onboard. And both have to be at least 18 years old. The expertise of the crew member, the “first mate” can be confirmed by the competent skipper by a written form.
The Following Sailing Licences or Permits Issued by Approved Organizations are Valid in Greece:
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America
- ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International
- Sicne 2018, Greek port authorities do not accept RYA “Day Skipper Course” license – sailors should prepare ICC, IPC, ASA 104-105, or equivalent
Issued by the Government of State:
- Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See“ or above
- France – LE PERMIS PLAISANCE
- Belgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite general
- UK – RYA Day Skipper practical
- USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
Italy
Italy has a very extensive coastline with numerous sailing areas, which will satisfy needs and wants of experienced sailors. Also of those just entering the world of sailing. An ideal starting point of your sailing holidays is the south-west coast. Charter your yacht in Portorosa to explore the Aeolian Islands, or on Sardinia, but before sailing out, be sure to possess one of the valid sailing licenses. When chartering a yacht in Italy, a skipper of a yacht has to be at least 18 years old. The skipper should be comfortable with mooring Mediterranean style, anchoring in narrow bays and handling a sailing yacht in close quarters.
The Following Skipper Licenses or Permits Issued by Approved Organizations are Valid in Italy:
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America
- Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International
- Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course”
Issued by the Government of State:
- UK – RYA Day Skipper practical (with or without photo)
- USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
- Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See“ or above
- Belgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite général
- France – LE PERMIS PLAISANCE
Spain
Spain is offering all year-round sailing holidays possibilities. No matter what you prefer – coastal or ocean sailing – you will find the ideal sailing playground for your needs in Spain. If you would like to steer a charter yacht in Spain safely and according to the law, you should be at least 18 years old. In Spain, most of the harbors will accommodate your yacht with a Mediterranean mooring system. So you should be comfortable with that type of mooring. Be ready to handle a yacht in close quarters since most of the marinas will not offer too much space to manoeuvre. You will be keen on anchoring in a small hidden bay and for that reason, so experience in such maneuvers is a must.
The Following Skipper Licenses or Permits Issued by Approved Organizations are Valid in Spain:
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International
- Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America
- Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”
Issued by the Government of State:
- UK – RYA Day Skipper practical (with or without photo)
- USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
- Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See“ or above
- Belgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite général
- France – LE PERMIS PLAISANCE
Now when you know the exact prerequisites for handling a sailing yacht in a certain country, there should be no obstacles to plan and book your next sailing holiday in one of the best sailing destinations on the Mediterranean.