What sailing qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat yacht?
Whether you need formal certification or just a sailing resume depends on where you’re heading and the charter company’s policies. Here’s what to expect across major sailing regions.
General Requirements
To charter a yacht bareboat, you’ll need one of the following:
- A formal sailing qualification (e.g. RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104, ICC)
- A VHF radio licence (required in many destinations)
- Or, a Skipper’s Sailing Resume demonstrating your skippering experience
We can provide a resume template and advise on what’s accepted at your chosen destination. Even if you don’t hold a certificate, you may still be able to charter—just get in touch and we’ll guide you through the options.
Mediterranean (Formal Certification Required)
In nearly all Mediterranean countries, a recognized certificate is mandatory. The most widely accepted are:
- RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC) (UK, NZ)
- ASA International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) (USA)
You must carry the original certificate on board and often a VHF licence too.
Mediterranean Country-Specific Requirements:
| Country | ICC Accepted | VHF Required | Co-Skipper Required | Day Skipper Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes rejected |
| Croatia | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (if practical) |
| Italy | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (with caveats) |
| Turkey | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Spain (Balearics) | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Often | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (some limitations) |
In Greece, a qualified co-skipper is required. In Spain, extra experience may be needed for catamarans.
Caribbean (More Flexible)
In the Caribbean, requirements are generally more relaxed than in Europe. A sailing resume demonstrating prior skippering experience is often sufficient.
However, you should still have:
- Practical boat-handling experience (ideally on similar-size vessels)
- Confidence with navigation, anchoring, and safety procedures
Some charter companies may request a certification (e.g. ASA 104 or RYA Day Skipper), especially for higher-spec boats or catamarans. We can assess your resume and advise if you're good to go or recommend a local training provider.
🇳🇿 New Zealanders Chartering Abroad
Many Kiwi sailors have developed their skills in demanding conditions. That practical experience is often enough for destinations outside the Med. For Europe, however, the ICC is required.
We recommend Sailing Away School of Sailing in Auckland for the RYA ICC assessment. It’s a practical three-hour course covering:
- Boat handling under sail and motor
- Safety and man overboard drills
- Mooring, docking, and navigation skills
Following assessment, you’ll apply for the certificate via NZ Coastguard. This process can take 6–8 weeks, so plan ahead.
What if I don’t have a formal qualification?
If you're sailing outside Europe, a well-documented Skipper’s Resume may be enough. We’ll help you complete it in a way that satisfies operator requirements.
Want to upskill before your trip?
We can recommend:
- ICC and ASA assessments
- Whole-family or partner prep courses
- Crew and skipper training
- Blue water or coastal navigation training
Training builds confidence—and is a great way to enhance your holiday experience.
Summary by Region
| Region | Certification Required | Resume Accepted | VHF Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | ✅ Yes (ICC/IPC) | ❌ Rarely | ✅ Often | Legal requirement; original cert must be carried |
| Caribbean | ❌ Not always | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | Flexible; experience usually sufficient |
| Pacific / Asia | ⚠️ Varies | ✅ Often | ⚠️ Sometimes | Resume accepted in many areas |
| New Zealand | ❌ Not for domestic | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | Local experience usually sufficient |
Still unsure?
We’re here to help. Tell us where you want to sail and your experience level—we’ll match you with the right charter and help you meet the requirements.
📖 Read our blog on Mediterranean sailing qualifications
Related FAQs
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How do we provision our bareboat charter?
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Can we board early at the start of charter?
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Can we book a cabin on a crewed boat?
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