What qualifications do I need to charter a yacht?
To bareboat charter a yacht, you need an internationally recognized certificate like the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), ASA 104 or International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). These indicate your ability to handle a yacht safely and competently. Some regions also require a VHF certificate.
Updated April 25, 2025
The essentials
Bareboat Charter Licences
Bareboat chartering is the best way to explore the world from the water, without the hassle, costs and worries of vessel maintenance and upkeep.
You, as the yacht skipper, have the freedom to explore at your own pace, mixing up long sailing days with shorter hops and creating your own ideal yacht charter vacation.
We're often asked which sailing qualification or license you need to bareboat charter in any of our 80+ worldwide destinations.
The simple answer is it depends, but if you hold an International Certificate of Competence (ICC), International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) or above, you are all set with a licence that will please most port authorities.
For the most part, the charter operator is simply looking for evidence that you are capable of manoeuvring the boat, and can safely moor, navigate and passage plan. A certificate is the easiest way to display this competence.
To avoid doubt, we always check with the chosen charter operation and make sure your boat license is sufficient.
All you need to for the Med
Mediterranean Requirements
To bareboat a yacht in the Mediterranean, you’ll need a sailing license and some sailing experience on a boat of similar size. There are a variety of yacht charter licences available worldwide, and the license you need depends on the destination you're visiting.
Local laws dictate what counts as an acceptable certificate in each area. We advise holding at least one valid certificate above the minimal level required by the coast guard or port authority.
As a general rule of thumb, if you hold a valid International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC) or International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), you will be able to bareboat charter in most worldwide destinations. In Croatia, someone on board (not necessarily the skipper) will need to hold a valid VHF certificate.
Other worldwide destinations
Caribbean and other Yacht Charter Licenses
As in many other ways, the Caribbean is generally a lot more relaxed and less formal than Europe, and there is no official requirement for you to hold a licence to secure your boat rental.
In the Bahamas, Caribbean, French Polynesia and Thailand, you do not need a licence by law, but will be required to show a sailing resume demonstrating experience of being in charge of an equal size boat. Some charter companies in these regions may also request a formal licence. If you are not sure your licence is suitable, please check with us.
While you do not technically require a sailing licence for bareboat yacht chartering in these less formal places, we always recommend obtaining one before you book your charter. If you do not hold a yacht licence, charter companies will require a sailing resume as proof of competence and may require you to undertake a quick competence check before you are allowed to leave the base.
You will need to prove that you are comfortable and safe maneuvering the yacht.*
The system usually operates on a sailing resume, where you state your experience, and the base manager may request a 20-minute competence check.
The yacht owner or base staff will want to see proof of experience and/or competence, so we recommend you get a qualification and bring it with you to serve as further proof of competence. After all, it never hurts to be prepared, especially in an increasingly bureaucratic world!
*If you have any doubts at all about your experience and ability to handle a charter yacht, talk to your broker. It may be a good idea to hire a skipper for your trip, or to enroll onto a course before your charter.
Key Timings
When do I need to send you my licence?
We will usually request a copy of your licence at least 6 weeks before departure, and you’ll need to remember to bring the original licence with you when you go.
If you don't have an adequate licence yet, or you're not sure, don't worry, we can advise you on the estimated timelines to get qualified, depending on your experience level.
Please note, you may need to take a skippered charter if you are unable to present a valid, original sailing licence that satisfies both local laws and the yacht charter company's specifications.
It is each bareboat yacht skipper's responsibility to make sure his/her certificates are adequate, valid and up-to-date.
Which licence should I get?
To charter a boat in another country's territorial waters, you may be required to show evidence of competence under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
You can choose from a variety of options, often dictated by the local governing body where you live. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) offers several licences available through sailing schools across the UK and around the world. In the USA, we recommend taking the ASA courses.
All bareboat charters in Greece require the intended skipper to be in possession of one of the following licences:
- International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC), formerly known as the International Certificate of Competence
- RYA Coastal Skipper practical
- RYA Yacht Master practical
- ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Certificate
- International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)
or equivalent from a recognised national body.
Croatian authorities have even published a list of accepted licences for bareboat charter. As one of the stricter and more formal authorities, this list gives a good steer on the level of licence that will be accepted worldwide - any licences you hold on the list are likely to be accepted elsewhere, with the exception of the RYA day skipper certificate in Greece
TLDR: The Essentials
In order to bareboat charter a yacht in any Mediterranean destination, you will need to hold at least an RYA Day Skipper licence, ASA 104 (Bareboat Charter), International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or equivalent qualification. We can even help you take your RYA Day Skipper course in Croatia and combine a holiday with a course that allows you to bareboat charter anywhere in the world!*
Note that the Greek port police no longer accept RYA Day Skipper certificates. If you have an RYA Day Skipper license, we suggest that you exchange it for an ICC certificate before traveling to Greece. The RYA have a page explaining how you can do this here
You can also convert your ASA 104 (or higher) to an IPC - the ASA explain how here
If you are not sure if your license is suitable, please send to us before booking and we will be able to advise.
If you’re planning to bareboat charter, we strongly suggest you get a licence. It’s prudent to have handy - it will help to prove competence even in countries without a requirement to hold one.
Globally-Accepted Licences
International Certificate of Competence (ICC): An internationally-recognized license issued by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
ASA 104/114: An internationally-recognized license
RYA Coastal Skipper: An internationally-recognized license
RYA Day Skipper: A practical sailing license
VHF (marine radio) license: A license required in some destinations, such as Croatia
Wherever you choose to go, you’ll need to display competence and experience sailing a boat of similar size.
Other considerations
You might need to hire a skipper if you don’t have the required license or experience
You might need to take a course to improve your sailing skills
You might need to provide original copies of your bareboat certification with you on charter
You might need to have at least one other able adult crew member, preferably with a competent crew certificate
Need some help?
If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide.
We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.