Which license do I need to rent a bareboat (boat without a skipper) in Italy, and how do I obtain it?

To rent a bareboat in Italy, you are required to have a valid nautical license—that is, a boat operator’s license—as well as a VHF radio certificate, since all charter vessels are equipped with a VHF radio as standard charter equipment. Italian law clearly states that foreign citizens may operate a vessel if they hold an equivalent and officially recognized license from their home country, and that the original document must be physically present on board.

According to Italian legislation (Art. 34 of the Recreational Boating Law), foreigners may operate yachts, motorboats and smaller recreational vessels within the limits of their license, provided that the license is valid and officially recognized.

This means that if you plan to charter a yacht, motorboat or sailing boat without a skipper, you must hold either an Italian license, a license issued by your home country, or another international license that covers the type of vessel, the engine power, and the permitted distance from the coast.

In very limited cases – yes, but only if all of the following apply:

• you stay within 6 nautical miles from the coast,
• you use a vessel up to 30 kW (approximately 40.8 HP),
• the vessel is up to 10 m in length,
• and all technical and age-related requirements are met.

For all more serious boating activities—such as typical charter sailing trips, yacht cruising, or using motorboats with higher engine power, as well as any navigation beyond 6 miles from the shore—a nautical license is mandatory.

Italian regulations classify vessels according to their length. Below are the categories, including the original Italian terms for easier understanding:

• small recreational boats (natanti da diporto) – up to 10 m
• recreational vessels (imbarcazioni da diporto) – 10–24 m
• recreational yachts (navi da diporto) – over 24 m

For charter purposes in Italy, vessels in the range of 6–18 m are most commonly used, and these almost always require a valid license, regardless of whether you plan to sail, operate a motorboat, or combine both.

Italy recognizes:

• Mediterranean international licenses (IYT, RYA, etc.) if issued in a member state and valid at the time,
• all national licenses from EU member states that are equivalent to Italian categories.

We strongly recommend sending a photo of your license to the charter base before booking, since they verify each license individually with the local branch of the Harbour Master’s Office, and in some cases also with the insurance company that provides coverage for their charter fleet.

The categorization can be a bit confusing—especially for those who are not from Italy—so we have simplified each category below to make the system easier to understand.

In Italy, licenses are issued for the following categories:

Category A – for smaller recreational boats and vessels up to 24 m

Category A is divided into the following subcategories:

• up to 12 miles from the coast
• without distance limits (senza limiti)
• each subcategory can be issued:
  • for motor
  • for sail
  • combined (motor + sail)

Category B – for vessels over 24 m (recreational, non-commercial)

Holders of a Category B license are authorized to operate recreational vessels 24 m or shorter, powered by engines, sails, or a combination of both.

To obtain a Category B license, you must have held a Category A license for at least 3 years, and specifically the “no distance limit” version.

Category C – an additional license with mandatory supervision

Intended for individuals who, due to health or other reasons, must be accompanied by a person over 18 years old but still wish to operate a vessel up to 24 m.

Category D1 – also known as the mini-license, introduced in 2025.

It is issued to young people from the age of 16 and allows navigation exclusively during daylight hours, on vessels up to 10 m for minors or up to 12 m for those over 16, within 6 miles from the shore, and with an engine power of up to 85 kW or 115 HP.

The valid legal regulations governing nautical licenses for recreational vessels in Italy can be found at the following link:
https://www.mit.gov.it/normativa/decreto-interministeriale-numero-146-del-29072008

No.
A nautical license and a VHF certificate are two entirely separate documents.

To use radio equipment, you must have an RTF certificate or an equivalent document. In Italy, it is issued by the Ministry of Economic Development, and in most cases it can be obtained without an exam, simply by submitting an application.

Since VHF is standard equipment on charter yachts and sailboats, a VHF certificate is mandatory.

Yes, you can. If you decide to take the exam in Italy, there are two options:

1. Taking the exam through a nautical school

• theoretical course
• practical training
• exam registration at the nearest Harbour Master’s Office
• training usually lasts 3–7 days

2. Taking the exam directly at the Harbour Master’s Office

If you already have experience, you may take the exam without attending a school.
The procedure looks like this:

• a theoretical multiple-choice test with 20 questions (maximum 4 mistakes allowed)
• if you apply for a sailing license, you receive 5 extra questions (maximum 1 mistake allowed)
• practical exam at sea – operating the engine or sails

With proper preparation, experienced candidates can pass in a single day.

If you apply as a foreign citizen:

• registration + theory + practical exam can be completed within 1–3 days,
• the license is usually issued within just a few days.

The Italian system is very efficient, especially in tourist regions where many foreign applicants take their exams. More details regarding the application process, requirements and costs can be found at the following link:

https://www.guardiacostiera.gov.it/portale/ammissione-all-esame-per-la-patente-nautica

The average costs are:

• theoretical course: around €300
• practical training: about €500 (approximately 5 hours)
• application and administrative fees: around €300
• total: roughly €1,100

If you already have a solid grasp of the theory and don’t need a course, the overall cost can be noticeably lower.

To sit the exam, prepare the following:

1. a completed application form + proof of payment
2. four 3×3 cm photographs
3. a copy of your passport or ID card
4. an Italian tax number (codice fiscale) – required only if you have residency in Italy
5. a valid medical certificate
6. proof of residence (for Italian citizens)

Foreigners may take the exam at any Harbour Master’s Office in Italy.

If you lose your license while on holiday:

1. report the loss to the police or the Carabinieri
2. with the issued confirmation you may continue sailing until the end of your charter period
3. once you return home, send a request for a duplicate to the Harbour Master’s Office that originally issued your license
4. the fee is approximately €100
5. you do not need to retake the exam

We always recommend keeping a photo of your license on your phone – it often solves many unexpected issues at sea.

A permit for recreational sea fishing while spending your holiday on a rented vessel within Italian territorial waters can be downloaded free of charge from the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food here:

https://www.masaf.gov.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/190

The procedure is simple:

1. register online
2. enter your basic personal information
3. generate the electronic certificate
4. save it on your mobile phone – it is considered an official permit

This certificate is required for any type of recreational fishing during your charter holiday.

Yes, and many of them are excellent. There are:

• sailing schools
• nautical academies
• online training platforms with video lessons
• mobile apps containing thousands of exam-style questions

These platforms are especially popular among foreign candidates because they offer visual explanations, exam simulations and clear, step-by-step guidance.

To operate a yacht longer than 24 m, you need a Category B license, which covers recreational yachts of any length. This is the highest recreational qualification and requires:

• advanced knowledge of navigation
• experience in handling both sailing and motor yachts
• additional medical and safety certificates

Yes. Italian nautical licenses are internationally recognized and accepted throughout the Mediterranean and in most charter destinations across Europe. They are ideal if you plan to sail in:

• Croatia
• Greece
• Malta
• Spain
• France
• Montenegro