Bareboat Charter Requirements

Yes, but only if you possess a valid boat operator’s license that is officially recognized in the country where you intend to charter the vessel. In all destinations that allow bareboat charters, a valid license or certificate of competence is mandatory. In most cases, charter companies coordinate with local port authorities to verify whether your license is accepted and appropriate for the specific type of boat you want to rent. If your qualifications do not meet the requirements, the insurance provider will not cover any potential damages to the vessel.

You need to have a valid certificate or skipper’s license issued by a competent authority in your home country. It must clearly state that it is valid for operating vessels at sea—not just inland waters like rivers and canals. Licenses limited to inland navigation are not accepted when renting a boat for coastal or offshore sailing.

Yes. In some countries, no license is required for very small boats (e.g., under 5 meters in length or with engines below 5 kW). However, this depends on local regulations and the exact limitations regarding engine power and size. Despite this, we highly recommend undergoing basic training and learning the rules of the sea—not only for your own safety but also to protect other people sharing the water with you.

Some charter companies reserve the right to ask you to demonstrate your skills before handing over the vessel. This may include basic maneuvers like docking, anchoring, or controlling the engine. If they find that your experience is insufficient, they may decline the rental or require you to hire a professional skipper at your own expense.

Our advice: send your license to our agent as soon as you make the reservation. We will contact the charter company, and they will then verify your certificate with the local port authority. This way, you'll know in advance whether your license is accepted for the specific vessel you selected.

You have a few options:

• Take an additional exam in your home country to upgrade your license so it covers the type of vessel you wish to operate.
• Arrange to take the necessary exam in the country where you intend to rent the boat. Some port authorities allow you to sit for the exam even on the day of embarkation—assuming you already have the knowledge and simply need the certification.

These exams can be convenient, but not for everyone. If you lack sufficient knowledge and practical experience, taking an exam in the morning and embarking that same afternoon could be risky. Mistakes at sea can be dangerous and expensive. We strongly recommend proper education and practice before attempting such a solution.

Absolutely! Just as a pedestrian must know basic traffic rules, every participant in maritime traffic—including swimmers and boat operators—must know how to behave at sea. The skipper must be able to identify and avoid dangers to others, such as swimmers, freedivers, or spearfishers. Proper knowledge prevents accidents and saves lives.

If you don’t have a license and cannot obtain one before your trip, the only legal and safe solution is to hire a professional skipper. We can assist in finding a qualified skipper to operate the vessel for you, so you can enjoy your holiday without stress. Keep in mind that the skipper will need food and accommodation on board, which may affect the rental cost and available berths.

Of course. If you rent a boat through us, we’ll assist you with:

• verifying your license
• organizing a supplementary exam if needed
• finding a reliable professional skipper if you’re unlicensed
• advising you on all applicable rules and procedures

Our goal is to make sure your sailing experience is safe, smooth, and fully compliant with local laws.