Charter know-how · Before you go
Licences and paperwork for a bareboat charter
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To charter without a professional skipper (bareboat), the skipper needs a recognised sailing licence, and in many countries a VHF radio certificate. The exact rules depend on the country and on the operator. Each of our destination pages says what that country asks for.
What is usually accepted
- The International Certificate of Competence (ICC), issued in many European countries.
- National licences such as the RYA Day Skipper or Yachtmaster, the ASA or US Sailing bareboat certificates, and their equivalents. Operators decide which they accept.
- A VHF / short-range radio operator certificate (SRC) for whoever uses the radio, where the country requires one.
- Some countries also ask for a second crew member with experience or a licence.
Sailing experience
Operators also look at experience: they ask for a sailing CV with the boats you have sailed and skippered. A licence alone may not be enough for a large catamaran or a 50-footer if you have never skippered one.
Documents to bring
No licence? Take a skipper
If nobody in your group has the licence, or you would rather relax, book a skipper: a professional who sails the boat and knows the area. A skipper usually costs about €1,500–2,000 a week, plus food, and sleeps aboard in a cabin or the crew cabin. On our planner, choose 'Yes, a skipper sails for us'.
General guidance for charter crews. Your charter company's briefing, the boat's own manuals and local rules always come first.