Yacht licenses, also known as skipper licenses or skipper certificates, are official documents confirming the qualification and skills of a yachtsman to operate a yacht or small vessel. They certify that the holder has completed the necessary training and is capable of safely operating the vessel under various conditions.
Types of yacht licenses refer to different categories of licenses and certificates that vary based on the level of qualification, type of vessel, and sailing zones. They can be national, issued by the relevant authorities of specific countries, or international, recognized in various states. Their issuance is regulated by Resolution No. 40 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which sets standards for the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC).
Welcome to our material on yacht licenses and skipper certificates. If you want to conquer the sea waves on a yacht, you need to know about the different types of yacht licenses and skipper certificates. In this article, we will tell you about their classification, legal aspects, international standards, and certifications, including ISSA certification. Moreover, we will discuss what types of yacht licenses exist and whether there are differences between licenses for motor and sailing yachts.
We know that it’s not easy to figure out which yacht license type suits you, especially for beginners, so we’ll help you navigate this question. Continue reading to learn more about this topic.
Key takeaways from the article on yacht license types:
- Don’t forget about the legal aspects of yacht licenses and certificates.
- International certificates are great for charters and circumnavigations, while national certificates are usually more limited.
- ISSA certification is currently the most sought-after international yachting certification. As alternative options, you can consider RYA or, in some cases, IYT.
- There are various types of yacht licenses; the choice depends on your needs.
- If you are a beginner, it would be logical to start with the ISSA Inshore Skipper Sail for sailing yachts or Inshore Power Skipper if you want to operate a motor yacht.
- The quality of yachting education depends not so much on the certification system but rather on the approach of the yacht school you choose, as well as the experience and personal charisma of the instructors.
Legal regulation of yacht licenses
First of all, it is worth mentioning that the issue of yacht licenses and skipper certificates is regulated worldwide at the level of the United Nations, specifically by the provisions of UNECE Resolution No. 40 “International Certificate for the Operation of Pleasure Craft.” Within this resolution, we can distinguish, firstly:
- National certificates (licenses) for operating a pleasure craft;
- International certificates (licenses) for operating a pleasure craft;
Of course, to operate a pleasure craft within your own country, you will often need a national certificate. However, the problem is that the official authorities of a neighboring country may not always understand or be clear about what competencies are included in your country’s certificate, which means it may not always be recognized abroad. International certificates do not replace national ones but rather complement them, allowing their holders to charter yachts and sail under the flag of various countries.
Another important point related to the implementation of UNECE Resolution No. 40 is the question of its ratification. We can distinguish 3 groups of countries:
- Countries that have fully ratified UNECE Resolution No. 40;
- Countries that have signed but not ratified UNECE Resolution No. 40;
- Countries that have neither signed nor ratified UNECE Resolution No. 40;
Depending on which group a country belongs to, its national authorities’ attitude towards skipper certificates from other countries and international yacht licenses can vary significantly. Nevertheless, the standards established in UNECE Resolution No. 40 should be generally accepted to ensure quality standards for skipper training on pleasure vessels.
Legal aspects of yacht operation: How to obtain a yacht license
Yacht legislation varies depending on the country and region where the yacht is located. Rules and requirements can differ even between neighboring states. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the rules and laws in the place where you plan to sail.
Legal aspects of yacht licenses may also concern environmental protection. All yachts must comply with environmental requirements and regulations. Therefore, incorporating ecological principles into the legal and legislative aspects is closely tied to yachting.
Skipper’s license – Classification of yacht licenses
To choose the appropriate type of yacht license, it is necessary to understand the main categories and types of skipper certificates. First, skipper certificates are divided into:
- Non-commercial yacht licenses or recreational certificates;
- Commercial or professional yacht licenses, intended for professional activities, i.e., working as a skipper.
The training course required to obtain recreational certificates (such as ISSA Inshore Skipper or IYT Yachtmaster Coastal) is significantly shorter, and obtaining such licenses is much easier and cheaper. Commercial certificates, such as Skipper 200GT Sail, are much harder to obtain. The training course lasts from 4 to 6 months, and the cost of the course usually exceeds 10,000 euros.
International yacht licenses
International yacht licenses and certificates are essential for safe and legal sailing abroad. Specific legal requirements and international standards regulate sailing rules in international waters, such as the Black Sea, Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, etc.
To obtain international yacht licenses, you need to pass an exam and receive the corresponding yacht certificate. International yacht standards regulate, for example, the requirements for training, instruction, and the experience of yachtsmen.
Some of the most important international yacht certificates include:
Certificates: Name: 1.ISSA (International Sailing Schools Association) 2.RYA (Royal Yachting Association) 3.IYT (International Yacht Training) 4.ICC (International Certificate of Competence) 5.GIMS
Each of these international certificates has its own features and requirements for obtaining it, which are important to consider when choosing a training course.
Keep in mind that for international sailing, you often need to undergo international certification and obtain licenses for motor and sailing yachts. The most suitable certificate for your needs depends on your level of experience and the desired category of the yacht.
Let's take a closer look at these skipper certification systems:
GIMS
Let's start with GIMS – because it's simple here. GIMS (State Inspection of Small Vessels) existed in the Soviet Union and seamlessly transitioned into the post-Soviet space. It still exists in many post-Soviet countries, which is why it is often mentioned in many sources. GIMS is a national yacht license, and this certificate is not international and is generally not recognized in other countries. Sometimes, GIMS holders try to confirm their certification through ICC certificates from other countries, claiming that it works, but in practice, this is not entirely true.
ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
ICC (International Certificate of Competence) is a competence certificate created by the United Nations for recreational vessel operators. It was developed following Resolution 40 and signed primarily by European countries, as well as South Africa. The USA and Canada did not sign this resolution. The goal of the ICC project was primarily to organize recreational rights for inland waters, and overall, it worked well in Europe. The issue is that at sea, the ICC certificate is quite limited and only applies within the territorial waters of the accepting country, which in Europe is usually between 6 and 12 nautical miles from the coast – significantly less than the 20 nautical miles of the basic Inshore Skipper certificate. ICC can be called a somewhat unsuccessful UN project that, unfortunately, has not gained widespread adoption.
International Yacht Training Worldwide (IYT Worldwide)
International Yacht Training Worldwide (IYT Worldwide) is an independent organization offering training and standards for professional and amateur yachtsmen. Founded in 1998 by Mark Fry as an alternative to ISSA and RYA, IYT Worldwide was initially based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, but later moved to Kelowna, Canada. The levels of qualification at IYT are similar to those of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the European International Sailing Schools Association (ISSA) at the amateur level. Professional-level courses are also available.
IYT Worldwide offers both professional and amateur courses in sailing and motor yachting, conducted through a network of licensed yacht schools. Currently, the organization has over 300 partner schools in 64 countries worldwide, although, to be fair, a significant portion of them are in the former Soviet Union. By 2022, more than 60 schools in Russia were issuing this certificate. It's worth noting that IYT certificates are not accepted in the USA and Canada, despite IYT's origins there. Another interesting fact is that all IYT-issued certificates have an expiration date, usually 5 years. To renew the certificate, no additional training is required – just pay and order a reissued certificate on the IYT website, with renewal costs typically ranging between $100 and $150.
Another source of commercial success for IYT Worldwide is the issuance of International Competence Certificates (ICC). They have put a lot of effort into popularizing the ICC for GIMS holders. Whether you want to build your skipper career with IYT is up to you, but we are simply sharing some facts at our disposal.
RYA (Royal Yachting Association)
RYA (Royal Yachting Association) is probably the most respected and traditional of the organizations we are reviewing today. It was founded in November 1875 in Britain under the name Yacht Racing Association. Its original goal was to standardize measurement rules for various racing yachts so that boats of different classes could compete on equal terms. Initially, membership in the association cost two guineas and was available to former and current owners of racing yachts weighing 10 tons or more by Thames measurement, as well as other gentlemen elected by the committee.
In 1921, the YRA incorporated the independent Sailing Boat Association and Boat Racing Association, and in 1952 it was transformed into the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).
RYA publishes over 110 maritime titles, which are recognized internationally and translated into more than 20 foreign languages. RYA is known for its high-quality teaching materials and high training standards. The downsides of RYA include the fact that training is conducted only in English and the high cost of certification, as the instructor conducting the training cannot usually conduct the exam, and a special examiner must be invited. Before Brexit, RYA could be considered the locomotive of European yachting, but after Brexit, this association partially lost its position in Europe.
ISSA (International Sailing Schools Association)
ISSA (International Sailing Schools Association), founded in 1969 in Paris and London, is an international organization that brings together more than 3,500 yacht schools worldwide. Its creation was the result of a joint initiative of yachting communities from France, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The founders of ISSA are Les Glénans (France), the Polish Yachting Association, Yacht Club de Morges (Switzerland), Casa di Vela Caprera (Italy), the National Sailing School (United Kingdom), and Centro Internazionale di Navigazione di Arosa (Spain).
In 1982, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe granted ISSA consultative status as a non-governmental organization. In 2005, World Sailing discussed ISSA’s role at its annual conference. This recognition underscores ISSA's significance and influence in the international yachting community.
ISSA strives to provide opportunities worldwide for those who dream of learning yachting and sailing, as well as creating an international career path for sailing and windsurfing instructors by training them to teach in other countries.
Yacht handling licenses – Levels of yacht licenses and skipper certificates
In this classification, we will focus more on the ISSA competence tree, but it is worth noting that other associations, such as RYA and IYT, have similar or very close levels to this classification. The only exception is the Flotilla Skipper level, which is intermediate and does not grant the right to independently go to sea outside the flotilla. In the ISSA classification, this level is simply absent.
Non-commercial skipper certificates are divided into several categories:
- Competent Crew (or its analogs) – certificate of a trained member of the yacht crew, i.e., a trained sailor.
- Inland Skipper – yacht license for yachts up to 15 m, with the ability to sail only on inland waters (rivers and lakes);
- Inshore Skipper (or its analogs, such as Yachtmaster Coastal) – yacht license for yachts up to 24 m for sailing yachts and up to 16 meters for motor yachts, with the ability to sail no more than 20 miles from the coast, with weather restrictions up to 6 on the Beaufort scale. This is probably the most popular yacht certificate today. Many schools only issue the daytime version of this certificate, allowing yacht management only in daylight hours, but at navi.training, we adhere to high training standards, so the Inshore Skipper course includes night exercises and training. Therefore, we issue the Inshore Skipper "day and night" certificate, giving the right to manage the yacht at any time of day;
- Offshore Skipper – yacht license for yachts up to 24 m, with the ability to go no more than 60 miles from the coast and manage the yacht without weather restrictions. The GT (gross tonnage) parameter also increases with each new level of your certificate. This certificate is available only to students already certified as Inshore Skippers and having at least 3 confirmed logbook trips totaling at least 30 days, in at least two marine regions;
- Master of Yacht – yacht license for yachts up to 24 m, with MAX GT within 200 and the ability to sail without restrictions on distance from the coast and weather conditions. This certificate is available only to students already certified as Offshore Skippers, having at least 5 confirmed logbook trips totaling at least 60 days, in at least two marine regions;
- Master of Yacht Ocean – yacht license without size restrictions, with MAX GT within 500 and the ability to sail without restrictions on distance from the coast and weather conditions. This certificate is available only to students already certified as Master of Yacht, with extensive yachting experience with this certificate;
Commercial skipper yacht certificates are divided into:
- Skipper 200 Power or/and Sail – professional certificate for managing small yachts with MAX GT up to 200, with the ability to carry passengers;
- Skipper 500 Power or/and Sail – professional certificate for managing large yachts with MAX GT up to 500, with the ability to carry passengers;
- Skipper 3000 Power or/and Sail – professional certificate for managing large yachts with MAX GT up to 3000, with the ability to carry passengers;
The most common are the recreational categories Inland Skipper and Inshore Skipper, and in the professional market, the most popular certificate is Skipper 200.
The choice of yacht license type depends on your goals and existing skills and certificates, so it is important to carefully prioritize before making a decision.
ISSA certification and its demand
It's no secret that ISSA certificates are the most sought-after international yacht licenses today. Many yachtsmen strive to obtain this certification, as it offers more opportunities and freedom.
ISSA certification confirms your professionalism and qualification as a yacht skipper. By mastering the next certification levels such as Master of Yacht, you become a yachting guru and earn respect and recognition from colleagues and the yachting community. There are many reasons why ISSA certification is becoming more and more popular every year.
Benefits of ISSA certification:
International recognition
ISSA certificates are internationally recognized, allowing yacht owners to travel freely around the world.
High standards
ISSA sets high standards for all instructors and schools that are part of the association, ensuring a high level of training.
Wide range of courses
ISSA offers a wide range of courses for obtaining different levels of yacht licenses and certificates, providing flexibility and growth potential in yachting.
Practical experience
ISSA courses include both theoretical training and practical exercises on yachts, ensuring future skippers acquire the necessary skills and experience.
Reliability
ISSA certificates are available for online verification, helping to combat counterfeiting and maintain high standards.
As seen from the data provided, ISSA is one of the leading international yachting certifications, and it remains at the top of its category. If you want your yachting career to thrive and you seek the most respected certification, look no further than ISSA.
How to obtain ISSA yacht licenses
The International Sailing Schools Association (ISSA) provides a wide range of skipper certificates (yacht licenses) that cater to different levels of skills and experience. Only ISSA-certified instructors and certified yacht schools are authorized to issue ISSA skipper certificates.
ISSA Inshore Skipper
This is the basic certificate most often obtained by beginner yachtsmen. It grants the right to operate yachts up to 24 meters, no more than 20 miles from the coast, in favorable weather conditions, during daytime or both daytime and nighttime. The MAX GT must not exceed 20.
To obtain the Inshore Skipper certificate, you must meet the following requirements:
- Experience prior to training: at least one charter as a crew member.
- No required certification before training.
- Minimum age: 16 years old.
- Recommended number of training hours: 50 hours.
- Training is conducted by ISSA instructors.
- The exam is also conducted by ISSA instructors.
- Applications for the certificate can only be submitted through authorized ISSA schools, such as navi.training.
The required areas of knowledge and skills include the following categories:
- Yacht structure and its main components.
- Managing basic yacht systems such as toilets, gas stoves, sinks, and showers.
- Filling water and diesel fuel tanks.
- Handling the internal engine, including starting, stopping, checking the cooling system, and other operations.
- Knowing the basic equipment on a yacht and managing sails, stays, and rigging systems.
- Handling lines and springs, including tying various knots and working with moorings and anchors.
- Operating the boat by motor and sails.
- Understanding international collision prevention rules at sea.
- Knowing and using navigation markers and meteorology.
- Practical navigation and the use of electronic navigation systems.
- Understanding meteorology and considering weather factors when planning a trip.
It is also essential to observe safety principles, respect the environment and other yachtsmen, as well as follow social norms and rules at sea and in port.
ISSA Offshore Skipper
This certificate expands the holder's ability to operate yachts up to 24 meters, with a MAX GT not exceeding 50, in open sea and up to 60 miles from the coast, without weather and time-of-day restrictions.
To obtain this certificate, the following conditions must be met:
- Skipper experience: 28 days at sea as captain or senior watchkeeper, in at least two voyages, and in at least two marine regions.
- Required certificates before training: SRC VHF and first aid certificate.
- Minimum age: 18 years old.
- Recommended number of training hours: 40 hours.
- Training is conducted by ISSA instructors.
- The exam is also conducted by ISSA instructors and includes 6 hours in total, 2 of which take place at night. The maximum number of candidates in the exam is 3 people at the same time.
- Applications for the certificate can only be submitted through authorized ISSA schools, such as navi.training.
The required areas of knowledge and skills include the following categories:
- Operating the yacht by motor, including departure from the shore, mooring to a buoy, raising the anchor, man-overboard operations, and practical skills.
- Operating the yacht by sails, including maneuvering and man-overboard operations, and practical skills.
- Navigation using Dead Reckoning, including determining and plotting the position by Dead Reckoning.
- Using a magnetic compass, including accounting for variation and deviation.
- Understanding tides and their impact on navigation.
- Accounting for tidal currents and their impact when planning a route.
- Knowledge of buoys and beacons and their usage limitations.
- Understanding light signals and the characteristics of lighthouses.
- Pilotage, including rules and signaling systems in harbors and strategies for entering/exiting the harbor.
- Working with echo sounders and understanding their limitations.
- Basics of working with satellite systems and knowing their capabilities and limitations.
- Knowledge of various types of logs and operations for measuring speed and distance.
- Preparing and maintaining a logbook.
- Knowledge of meteorology, including basic terms, the Beaufort scale, types of clouds, etc.
- Knowledge of collision prevention rules at sea and their application.
- Safety at sea, including the use of life jackets, safety belts, and other safety measures, as well as knowledge of fire prevention and extinguishing procedures, distress signal means, and other safety measures.
- Knowledge of the international signal code and navigation in restricted visibility conditions.
- Route planning and using weather information when planning a trip.
- Responsible attitude toward environmental protection and the preservation of the marine environment.
ISSA Master of Yacht
This is perhaps the most prestigious and respected sailing certificate. To obtain it, you must have solid yachting experience and deep knowledge of yachting.
To obtain the status of Master of Yacht, you must meet the following requirements:
- Sea experience: at least 60 days at sea as captain or watch leader, in at least 5 trips, in 3 different marine regions, including tidal waters (at least one tidal region), as well as at least 2 passages over 100 nautical miles as captain.
- Required certificates before training: SRC VHF, first aid certificate, and sea survival certificate.
- Minimum age: 18 years old.
- Recommended number of training hours: 40 hours, with more in-depth exam preparation.
- Training is conducted by ISSA instructors with the Master of Yacht certificate.
- The exam is also conducted by ISSA examiners and includes 6 hours in total, 2 of which take place at night. The maximum number of candidates during the exam is 3 people simultaneously.
- Applications for the Master of Yacht status can only be submitted through authorized ISSA schools.
A candidate for the Master of Yacht certification must possess the same knowledge as the Offshore Skipper but apply them more confidently and competently. In addition, a Master of Yacht must:
- Maintain a neat appearance (clothing and hygiene) and behave accordingly, showing respect for others.
- Be confident in their actions.
- Establish friendly relations with crew members.
- Remain calm in all situations and not exacerbate stressful situations.
- Have effective communication skills with crew members.
ISSA Inshore Power Skipper
This is the basic motor certificate that is easiest for a beginner skipper or small motorboat owner to obtain. Our students usually receive it in the Day and Night version, which grants graduates the right to night exits.
To obtain the Inshore Power Yacht Skipper certificate, you must meet the following requirements:
- Experience before training: at least 1 cruise on a motor yacht.
- No required certification before training.
- Minimum age: 16 years old.
- Recommended number of training hours: 10 hours of theory and at least one day of practice.
- Training is conducted by ISSA instructors.
- The exam is also conducted by ISSA instructors and includes 6 hours in total, 2 of which take place at night. The maximum number of candidates in the exam is 3 people simultaneously.
- Applications for the Inshore Power Yacht Skipper certificate can only be submitted through authorized ISSA schools, such as our school.
The skills and knowledge required for the Inshore Power Yacht Skipper include the following areas:
- Knowledge of the yacht structure and its main parts, as well as understanding their purpose.
- Ability to operate basic systems on the yacht, such as the toilet, gas stove, sink, shower.
- Filling water and diesel fuel tanks.
- Ability to operate the yacht engine, including starting, stopping, checking the cooling system, and other operations.
- Knowledge of the basic equipment on the yacht, rigging, mooring equipment, echo sounder, log, yacht electronics.
- Rope handling skills, including marine knots and working with moorings.
- Proper handling of fenders.
- Anchor operations, including preparation for lifting, operating the windlass for raising and lowering the anchor, choosing a safe anchorage location, and other points.
- Working with the dinghy (inflatable boat), installing and starting the engine, connecting the fuel system, and other points.
- Navigation skills, including knowledge of collision prevention rules at sea and the use of navigation signs and buoys.
- Basics of navigation, including the use of compasses, charts, and GPS systems.
- Knowledge of meteorology and the ability to consider weather factors when planning trips.
- Knowledge of safety rules at sea, including the use of safety equipment and emergency procedures.
- Respect for the environment and other yachtsmen, as well as socially acceptable behavior at sea and in the harbor.
This status provides the basic skills and knowledge to operate a motor yacht in coastal waters.
ISSA Offshore Power Skipper
This certificate allows the holder to operate motor yachts up to 24 meters in open sea, up to 60 miles from the coast, during the day, and with no weather restrictions.
To obtain the Offshore Power Skipper certificate, you must meet the following requirements:
- Sea experience before training: at least 28 days at sea as captain or senior watchkeeper in at least 2 sea voyages, in 2 different marine regions.
- Required certificates before training: SRC VHF and first aid certificate.
- Minimum age: 18 years old.
- Recommended number of training hours: 40 hours of theory and 2 days of practice, including 2 hours of night navigation.
- Training is conducted by ISSA instructors.
- The exam is also conducted by ISSA instructors and must include night-time navigation.
- Applications for the "Offshore Power Skipper" certificate can only be submitted through authorized ISSA schools, so feel free to contact us at navi.training.
The required areas of knowledge and skills for the Offshore Power Skipper include the following aspects:
- Managing a motor yacht, including entry and exit from the harbor (side and stern mooring), mooring to a buoy and raising the anchor, as well as man-overboard rescue methods.
- Navigation by Dead Reckoning, including determining and marking the position by coordinates.
- Determining the vessel's position, including using bearings on lighthouses, coastal objects, and depth contours, as well as assessing errors and inaccuracies.
- Using the magnetic compass, including accounting for variation over time and in different locations, correcting the compass due to the influence of electronic devices, and determining deviation.
- Knowledge of tides and their operation, including tide schedules, levels, and marks on the map, as well as times and heights of tides at standard ports, secondary ports, and anomalies.
- Understanding tidal currents, including the use of tide atlases and tidal diamonds, and accounting for tidal currents when calculating courses and planning the route.
- Knowledge of IALA A and B navigation signs, their characteristics, visibility range, and the list of lighthouses.
- Route planning, including specific rules and signal systems in harbors, planning and strategy for entering and exiting harbors, and navigation skills.
- Operating echo sounders, knowing the types of echo sounders and their limitations, as well as secondary reflections.
- Basic knowledge of satellite systems and their capabilities and limitations.
- Measuring speed and distance using logs and describing various types of their operation.
- Maintaining a logbook as an official document.
- Knowledge of meteorology, including basic terms, the Beaufort scale, types of air masses, types of clouds, weather characteristics depending on pressure and fronts, sources of meteorological forecasts, and the ability to interpret them, as well as using a barometer.
- Anchor operations, including knowledge of anchor types and their use.
- Knowledge of the International Collision Prevention Rules at Sea and the ability to comply with them.
- Knowledge of sea safety rules, including the use of life jackets, safety systems, signaling means in emergency situations, the role of the coast guard, preparation for strong winds, the use of life rafts, and helicopter rescues.
- Knowledge of the International Signal Code and its rules of application.
- Navigation in limited visibility conditions, including procedures in limited visibility conditions and safety limitations.
- Route planning, including preparing charts and notes for route planning, standard actions when navigating inshore waters, route planning strategy, and using weather information in route planning, as well as knowledge of local and national regulations.
- Environmental protection and measures to combat marine pollution and preserve the natural environment.
This status provides extensive knowledge and skills for operating a motor yacht in offshore waters.
Obtaining a yacht license
The requirements and procedures for obtaining certificates can vary depending on the organization and country, so it's important to carefully study each case. Usually, to obtain a certificate, you need to complete a specific training course, have a certain level of preparation, and gain the necessary sea experience.
We recommend choosing a certification that best suits your needs and requirements, as well as corresponds to your level of training and experience.
Motor and sailing yacht licenses
Obtaining a license for a motor or sailing yacht is not only a matter of choice but also of the required skills and experience. The skills needed to operate a motor yacht may differ from those needed to operate a sailing yacht.
Additionally, different yacht license categories may have different skill requirements. For example, obtaining an Offshore category license requires more experience than obtaining an Inshore license.
To obtain a license for a motor or sailing yacht, you need to complete a specialized Inshore or Offshore Power Skipper training course. Courses include both theoretical and practical parts. During practical sessions, students learn to operate a motor yacht and develop safety and environmental protection skills.
Operating a yacht requires extensive knowledge and skills, as well as experience. Obtaining a license for a motor or sailing yacht is the right step toward becoming an independent yachtsman.
An important aspect of obtaining yacht certificates is also knowledge of the legal aspects of this activity, such as yacht legislation and legal regulation in the yachting sector.
Regardless of which yacht license you choose to obtain, it's important to make sure that you have completed the necessary training course and meet the requirements for certification. By following this path, you open new opportunities and gain invaluable experience.
Catamaran licenses
Separate licenses for operating catamarans are generally not required. To operate a sailing catamaran, it is enough to have a standard sailing license. However, if the catamaran exceeds 45 feet in length, the skipper may need an Offshore Skipper Sail qualification, as in recent times, this requirement has become more common due to the MAX GT of these vessels, which often exceeds the limits allowed for Inshore licenses. A similar situation is observed with motor catamarans: for vessels over 42 feet, you may be required to have at least an Offshore Power Skipper license.
It's important to emphasize that the technique of operating a catamaran is significantly different from operating a monohull yacht. In this regard, we strongly recommend taking a specialized catamaran training course at navi.training. This will not only help you master the unique aspects of catamaran handling but also significantly reduce the risk of accidents at sea, and thus avoid costly repairs or deposit loss.
Conclusion
We have covered various types of yacht licenses and skipper certificates, their classification, and legal aspects of yacht licenses, international yacht licenses, ISSA certification, and other well-known certifications and yacht licenses.
The most sought-after international certificates are ISSA certificates, which we have discussed in more detail, including the types of ISSA yacht licenses.
To obtain yacht licenses, you need to complete both theoretical and practical training courses and pass exams. It is important to choose the right training course and a good yacht school to not only obtain the desired certificate but also the corresponding knowledge and experience, and to be prepared for independent sea trips. After all, the skipper is responsible not only for their own safety but also for the safety and lives of the crew members.
We hope this article has helped you understand the types of yacht licenses and certificates, as well as answered any questions related to obtaining them.
FAQ
What types of yacht licenses or skipper certificates exist, and how do you choose the right one?
There are various types of yacht licenses or skipper certificates, including international ones like ISSA, RYA, IYT, ICC, and national ones like GIMS. When choosing a license, it is essential to consider your goals, opportunities, and planned sailing program. Contact navi.training instructors or our consultants for recommendations and help in selecting the appropriate course and training format.
What are the main types and categories of yacht licenses?
The main types and categories of yacht licenses include motor yacht licenses and sailing yacht licenses. Each type of license has its own skill and experience requirements. Contact relevant organizations or training centers for detailed information on each type of yacht license.
What are the legal aspects related to yacht licenses?
In general, obtaining yacht licenses is regulated by the provisions of the UN’s 40th Transport Resolution. Each country may have its own rules and requirements. Before purchasing a yacht or obtaining a yacht license, be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws and requirements of the regions included in your sailing program.
What international yacht licenses exist, and what do you need for chartering in the Mediterranean?
For chartering in the Mediterranean, you will need an international yacht certificate, such as the ICC (International Certificate of Competence), which can confirm the national yacht licenses you already hold from your country. Alternatively, you can obtain an international ISSA certificate and charter yachts or sail on your own yacht stress-free in virtually any region of the world. Before planning a trip, make sure you have all the necessary certificates and documents required in the destination country.
What is ISSA certification, and why is it in demand?
ISSA is the International Sailing Schools Association, which develops standards for the certification of recreational and professional skippers. ISSA certificates are among the most sought-after international yacht certificates. They are recognized by many countries and organizations worldwide, and thanks to the high standards of the association, ISSA instructors are highly professional and experienced.
What types of yacht licenses does ISSA provide?
ISSA provides various types of yacht licenses, including ISSA Inshore Skipper, ISSA Offshore Skipper, ISSA Master of Yacht, ISSA Inshore Power Skipper, and ISSA Offshore Power Skipper. Each type of certificate has its own requirements and allows you to operate certain types of yachts.
What other certifications and yacht licenses exist besides ISSA?
Besides ISSA, there are other international yacht certification systems and licenses, such as RYA, IYT, and ICC. Each has its own characteristics and requirements. Contact the organizations issuing these certificates to learn more about obtaining their licenses.
What international licenses are there for motor and sailing yachts, and how do you obtain them?
To operate a motor yacht, you will need a skipper yacht certificate such as the ISSA Inshore Power Skipper and higher, while for a sailing yacht, you will need a sailing certificate such as the ISSA Inshore Skipper Sail. To obtain licenses for a motor or sailing yacht, you need to complete the appropriate training course at Navi.training and successfully pass the final exam. Usually, it takes some time after the exam to issue the certificate, so you will receive the physical certificate approximately a month and a half after completing the training.