So, yachting licenses and skipper certificates are a broad and quite confusing topic, with a lot of yachting education available online, not always accurate.
Imagine: you’re standing on a pier in sunny Croatia or the Caribbean, in front of a pristine white yacht, ready to set sail on a maritime journey. But the charter company manager asks, "What skipper certificate do you have?" Without yacht licenses, you can’t yacht rental — it's like a driver's license, but for the sea.
Yachting is freedom, salty wind, and adventure, but it comes with the responsibility for the safety of the vessel, crew, and the environment. My name is Alexey Burlakov, I have been involved in yachting for over 12 years, and I am a certified yachting instructor. I will help you understand which yacht licenses and skipper certificates are needed for a charter. We will cover everything: from national licenses to international standards, with special attention to ISSA certification and our Navi.training school. Ready? Then let’s begin!
Yacht licenses, or skipper certificates, confirm that you have undergone training and can safely operate a yacht. But choosing the right license is a maze: national licenses are only valid in one country, while international ones open up the world. If you are a beginner, don’t worry — I will explain everything step by step. First, we will figure out why licenses are needed, and then dive into the details.
Why Are Yacht Licenses Needed?
Imagine this situation: you’ve chosen a yacht for a holiday in the Mediterranean, but without a skipper’s license, you won’t be allowed on board. It’s not just a formality — the certificate proves that you know how to operate a vessel, navigate using charts, avoid collisions, handle bad weather, and deal with seasickness. Yachting requires skills because on the water, you are responsible not only for yourself but also for those with you, as well as for the marine environment. Without a license, you risk fines and, most importantly, safety.
If you’re just starting out, the idea of obtaining a license might seem daunting. What if it takes years? In reality, it’s simpler: to start, a basic certificate like the ISSA Inshore Skipper Sail license is sufficient. The main thing is to understand your goals: do you want to sail near the coast with friends or dream of long voyages? This determines which license suits you. Let’s compare national and international certificates so you can choose.
National vs. International Certificates: What’s the Difference?
National Certificates
National yacht licenses are issued in a specific country and are valid in its waters — rivers, lakes, or coastal areas. For example, the French Permis Mer or the German Sportbootführerschein See. These licenses are usually easier to obtain: the course may take a couple of weekends, with minimal requirements — basic seamanship skills and knowledge of local regulations. They are suitable if you plan to sail only in your home waters, such as on lakes or coastal zones.
But there’s a limitation: outside the country, these licenses are rarely recognized. Want to rent a yacht in Spain or the Seychelles? The charter company will say, "You need an international certificate." For example, the French Permis Mer Côtier allows sailing up to 6 miles from the coast, but its value decreases outside France. National licenses are a great start, but if you dream of seas beyond the horizon, they will quickly become restrictive.
International Certificates
International licenses are your key to global yachting. They are recognized in most countries and allow you to charter yachts from the Adriatic to the Caribbean. These certificates are issued by organizations like ISSA, RYA, and IYT, and their standards meet international requirements, such as UN EEC Resolution No. 40. With them, you can rent yachts up to 24 meters in popular regions without extra questions.
Why are they better? They are universal, require serious training, and provide confidence on the water. If you want to charter in the Mediterranean, the international Inshore Skipper certificate is your best friend. But which system to choose? Let’s go through the main options, and then I’ll explain why ISSA and our Navi.training school are the optimal choices for beginners.
Main International Certification Systems
There are several major players in the yacht licensing market: ISSA, RYA, IYT, and ICC. Each has its own features, pros, and cons. Let’s examine them so you understand which one suits you best.
ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
ICC is a certificate created under the auspices of the UN to simplify yachting, especially in Europe. It was designed as a universal standard for inland waters, but at sea, its validity is limited to coastal zones (6–12 miles from the shore) and countries that have signed Resolution No. 40. For charters in popular regions like the Caribbean, ICC is often insufficient — companies ask for something more substantial, like the ISSA Inshore Skipper. It is more of an addition to national licenses than a full-fledged license.
IYT (International Yacht Training)
IYT is a Canadian system with a network of over 300 schools worldwide. It is popular in the Caribbean and offers courses for both enthusiasts and professionals. The plus is accessibility, the minus is that certificates need to be renewed every 5 years for $100–150. In some countries, like the USA, they are not always accepted. It’s an option for those who don’t mind additional expenses and want flexibility, but I prefer more stable solutions.
RYA (Royal Yachting Association)
RYA is a British system with a rich history and reputation. Its certificates are valued for in-depth training, especially in traditional navigation. It’s the choice for those who want to feel like true sea dogs. But the courses are expensive, training is only in English, and exams often require a separate examiner, complicating the process. After Brexit, RYA’s influence in Europe has slightly decreased, although the quality remains high.
ISSA (International Sailing Schools Association)
Here’s my favorite — ISSA. This association, founded in 1969, unites over 3,500 schools worldwide and offers practical, recognized certificates. Why do I recommend it? First, ISSA licenses have no expiration date — you get them and use them for life. Second, they are accepted by charter companies from the Mediterranean to the Pacific Ocean. Third, the courses combine theory and practice so that you truly learn to operate a yacht, not just obtain a document.
At our Navi.training school, we issue ISSA certificates, and I’m proud of how we train beginners. Let’s break down the license levels so you know where to start and how you can advance.
Levels of Yacht Licenses: From Beginner to Master
Yacht certificates are divided into levels depending on experience, type of vessel, and sailing area. I will talk about ISSA categories, but similar levels exist for RYA and IYT. For beginners, the main focus is Inshore Skipper, while Offshore Skipper and Master of Yacht are future goals.
Competent Crew
This is the initial level. The Competent Crew certificate confirms that you can be a useful member of the crew: helping with sails, mooring, or steering under the skipper’s guidance. You can’t manage the yacht independently yet, but it’s a great way to try yachting and see if it’s for you. The course takes a couple of days — the perfect start.
Inshore Skipper: Your First Step as a Captain
Inshore Skipper is the most popular certificate for beginners, and I advise you to start with it. It allows you to manage a yacht up to 24 meters in coastal waters (up to 20 miles from the shore) in good weather. It’s ideal for a week-long charter in Greece or Turkey. At Navi.training, we issue Inshore Skipper “day and night” — with night training so you’re prepared for any conditions.
This level is divided into Sail (sailing yachts) and Power (motor yachts) — more on this shortly.
Offshore Skipper: The Next Step
If you’ve mastered Inshore Skipper and want more, Offshore Skipper is your next step. It allows you to sail up to 60 miles from the shore and manage a yacht in any weather. Serious skills are required: tidal navigation, working in the dark, storm management. Experience is needed — at least 28 days at sea, including solo trips. It’s not for beginners, but for those ready to advance.
Master of Yacht: Yachting Elite
Master of Yacht is the pinnacle for enthusiasts. This certificate grants the right to unlimited sailing on yachts up to 24 meters with a displacement up to 200 GT. A minimum of 60 days of experience and long voyages are required. It’s a level for circumnavigations, but it’s not immediately accessible for beginners — it’s your long-term goal.
Commercial Certificates
If you want to work as a skipper, there are professional licenses: Skipper 200, 500, or 3000 (depending on the vessel’s maximum GT). They require more time and experience but open the way to commercial yachting. For beginners, this is not yet relevant — start with Inshore Skipper.
For charters in popular regions like the Mediterranean, Inshore Skipper is usually sufficient. But if you plan on larger yachts or catamarans over 45 feet, companies may request Offshore Skipper. Now let’s examine the difference between sail and power licenses.
Licenses for Sailing and Motor Yachts: What to Choose?
Choosing between a sailing and motor yacht is not only about style but also about different skills. Let’s explore how this affects your licenses.
Inshore Skipper Sail: For Sails
Inshore Skipper Sail is a certificate for sailing yachts up to 24 meters in coastal waters (up to 20 miles). You learn to set sails, work with the wind, maneuver in moorings, and read signs. It’s the romance of yachting: you depend on nature, and every outing is an adventure. At Navi.training, our course includes night training — you can manage a yacht in the dark, which is rare for basic courses.
Inshore Power Skipper: For Motors
Inshore Power Skipper is a license for motor yachts up to 24 meters in the same area. The focus here is on the engine: starting, stopping, maneuvering in marinas, working with fuel. Sails aren’t needed, but precision and reaction are important. The skills differ: you rely on technology, not the wind.
Important: these certificates are not interchangeable! With Inshore Skipper Sail, you cannot take a motor yacht, and vice versa. Sailing yachts require the ability to manage rigging, while motor yachts require engine work skills. At Navi.training, we offer both courses so you can choose your path or even master both.
National Systems: Examples and Limitations
Let’s look at some national certificates to understand their features and why international licenses are often preferable.
- France: Permis Mer. There are Côtier (up to 6 miles) and Hauturier (ocean sailing). A good system, but outside France, it’s only recognized in the Mediterranean due to regional agreements.
- Germany: Sportbootführerschein See. Suitable for the Baltic and partly Europe, requires liability insurance. Its value is limited abroad.
- Italy: Patente Nautica. One of the most challenging — 120 hours of theory to sail beyond 12 miles. But outside Italy, it’s rarely accepted.
National licenses are good for local waters, but for charters in other countries, they are not suitable. International certificates, like ISSA, solve this problem by giving you freedom.
Why ISSA and Navi.training Are Your Best Choice
Now about why I recommend ISSA and our school. I’ve been through this path myself and know how important it is to choose a system that teaches real skills.
Advantages of ISSA
- Worldwide Recognition. ISSA certificates are accepted by charter companies all over the world — from Greece to Thailand.
- High Standards. ISSA requires quality from schools, guaranteeing a high level of training.
- Flexibility. Start with Inshore Skipper and progress to Master of Yacht as you gain experience.
- Practice. Courses are primarily practice on the water: mooring, sails, navigation.
- Reliability. Certificates are verified online and cannot be forged.
What Sets Navi.training Apart?
At Navi.training, we train real captains. Here’s what you get with us:
- Individual Attention. Small groups — the instructor works with everyone.
- Complete Inshore Skipper Course. Includes night training and special attention to mooring techniques.
- Experienced Instructors. We are skippers with thousands of miles, sharing life hacks.
- Blended Learning. Theory online, practice at sea at convenient times.
- Community. After the course, you are part of our yachting family — outings, flotillas, regattas, support.
I’ve seen beginners who were afraid of the helm confidently steering yachts after a couple of weeks. This is the result of our approach.
How to Get an ISSA License at Navi.training?
The process is simpler than it seems. Let’s break it down using the Inshore Skipper as an example:
- Enrollment. Go to Navi.training blog, choose a course (Sail or Power), and submit an application.
- Theory. 50 hours: part online, part with an instructor. Yacht setup, navigation, safety.
- Practice. Going out to sea: mooring, sails or engine, night passages — each cadet has their own cabin, training without stress.
- Exam. Theory and practice, ensuring a quality result.
- Certificate. After passing, we issue the ISSA Inshore Skipper. It will be with you in 1–1.5 months.
Requirements: 16+ years old, at least one sea outing as a crew member is desirable. Cost — €1500–2000, depending on the region. It’s an affordable start.
Catamaran Licenses: What You Need to Know
There are no separate licenses for catamarans — Sail or Power certificates are suitable. But catamarans are more complex due to their width and stability, especially over 45 feet. Companies often require Offshore Skipper. At Navi.training, we recommend taking catamaran training — it will save you from mistakes and preserve your deposit.
Useful Tips for Beginners
- Start with Inshore Skipper. This is your first step — don’t rush to Master of Yacht immediately.
- Practice. After the course, rent a yacht and reinforce your skills.
- Study COLREGs. Rules to prevent collisions are your foundation.
- Choose Quality. At Navi.training, you get more than just a certificate.
- Protect the Sea. No waste overboard — yachting is about ecology.
Modern Trends in Yachting
Yachting is evolving: schools are adopting blended learning with VR simulators, and from 2024, courses include modules on sustainable seamanship — biodegradable oils, water filtration, reducing CO2. ISSA keeps up with this by adding environmental standards. This makes it even more attractive for conscientious yachtsmen.
Conclusion: What License Do You Need for a Charter?
To rent a yacht in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or the Adriatic, you need an international certificate, and the ISSA Inshore Skipper is the perfect choice. It’s simple for beginners, universal, and opens the world of yachting. With Navi.training blog, you’ll receive not only a license but also confidence, knowledge, and support. Sign up for a course, and soon you’ll be at the helm, enjoying the sea. See you on the water, captains!