The simplest answer, is that in some locations you don’t, in other jurisdictions you do.  In some cases there are flat regulations, in others they are dependant on the gross tonnage of the boat. Even if you meet the sailing qualifications you require to charter a yacht in that country, the operator may have further restrictions to protect their fleet and to comply with insurance criteria.

It’s clear what qualification you I need to charter a boat is one of our most frequently asked questions. We have written a detailed article here to guid you, but please don’r hesitate to reach out to us with any query.

What Experience Do I Need to Charter a Yacht?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions. And for good reason.

Whilst skippers and crew offer some great advantages when on a yacht charter, going solo is great too. So let’s start by breaking it down:

1. Experience. In almost all cases – you need some experience. Any yacht charter company offering to charter you a boat without a skipper is probably breaking more than one law. In the end, what experience you need to charter a yacht, comes down to 3 things:
   • Comfort. What you are comfortable with. In most cases, you will be responsible for other people, and let’s not forget someone else’s boat.
   • Charter Area. We rate our charter areas into 5 categories, from easiest, to the tricky. For those interested, the Ionian in Greece would be one of the easiest, sailing the English Channel would be the hardest.
   • Charter Fleet Operator (CFO). These are the guys who are responsible and the insurance companies. Whatever your agent says, it is the CFO that makes the final decision.
2. Qualifications. So this depends on 3 further factors:
   • No restrictions. Areas like the Caribbean spawned the expression “Credit Card Captain“. Which means you just need to convince the operator, and off you go.
   • State Restrictions. Most countries have some kind of legislation. But as you want boats to come to your shores, regulations vary a lot.
   • EU Restrictions. Some countries in the EU have signed up the EU’s laws.

What’s Normally Required?

To skipper a bareboat charter yacht or participate in a flotilla, outside the Caribbean, you are likely to need a practical sailing certificate equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Practical, International Certificate of Competence (ICC), ASA 103, 104 or above.

For charters in Greece now, you required to hold an ICC certificate. You must also be assisted by a member of the crew who is over 18. They don’t need to have a formal sailing qualification but will be named in the books.

For charters in Croatia, Malta and the Canaries, at least one member of the crew or the skipper will also need a VHF licence.

If you wish to take part in a flotilla but do not have an RYA qualification then you may like to choose our ‘Learn on flotilla‘ option in the Ionian.

Alternatively, RYA qualifications can be obtained through RYA sailing schools in the UK or from one of our overseas centres in Gibraltar, Greece, Turkey, or Croatia.