Do you need a sailing licence to charter a yacht? (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain)
By Erik Ljungqvist, professional skipper · 29 September 2026 · 3 min read
Short answer: to charter a sailing yacht bareboat, where you sail it yourself, yes, you need a licence. Only small motorboats, typically around 5 metres with a low-powered engine, can be rented without one. The exact licence you need depends on the country and the charter company. And if nobody in your group has one, there's an easy fix: hire a skipper, and nobody needs a licence at all.
I've sailed my whole life and worked as a professional skipper in the Mediterranean. This is the question I hear most from first-timers, so here's the full picture.
When you need a licence (and when you don't)
| How you charter | Licence needed? |
|---|---|
| Bareboat sailing yacht or catamaran (you sail it) | Yes, for the skipper, and in some countries extra certificates |
| Skippered charter (a professional sails it) | No |
| Crewed charter (captain and crew) | No |
| Small motorboat or RIB within the licence-free limits below | No |
Not sure which charter type suits you? I explain all three in bareboat, skippered or crewed.
Licence-free limits, country by country
You can rent a small boat without any licence, but the limits are tight and differ by country. They're defined by engine power, length and distance from shore:
| Country | Licence-free limit (rental boats) |
|---|---|
| Croatia | Up to 5 m and 5 kW (6.8 hp), within 500 m of the coast |
| Spain | Up to 5 m and 15 hp, within 2 nautical miles of shore |
| Italy | Engines up to 40 hp (30 kW), within 6 nautical miles of shore |
| Greece | Powerboats up to about 30 hp |
That's a small tender for a day at the beach, not a yacht. Any real sailing yacht needs a licence.
Chartering bareboat: what each country asks for
- Croatia: the skipper needs a recognised boat licence, and someone on board needs a VHF radio certificate (for example the SRC).
- Greece: the skipper needs a licence at offshore level (for example the ICC or RYA Coastal Skipper), and a second experienced crew member must be on the crew list.
- Italy and Spain: a recognised licence such as the ICC or an equivalent national licence is usually required for charter yachts. Rules depend on the boat and on how far offshore you go.
The charter company has the final say. Even if your licence is legally enough, many companies ask for a short sailing résumé and can insist on a skipper if they aren't convinced you can handle the boat you've booked. Always bring the original documents; photocopies and phone photos are routinely refused at check-in.
Which licences are accepted?
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence): the most widely accepted for Mediterranean charter.
- RYA Day Skipper / Coastal Skipper and similar national qualifications are often accepted, depending on the country and company.
- National licences from your home country are accepted in some places. Check with the charter company before you book.
What I tell friends: it depends on the country you live in. The UK's RYA qualifications are among the most widely recognised, and probably among the most comprehensive courses too. But my advice is usually to go for the licence that's local to where you live. You'll find courses most easily, classes will be cheaper, and you can train in your own time. Then check that your charter company accepts it (or that it lets you get an ICC) before you book.
No licence? Hire a skipper
This is what I'd recommend for most first charters anyway. A skipper costs roughly €170–€250 per day in Croatia, plus their food, and you don't need any paperwork. You still get to sail: most skippers will teach you and let you take the helm. For what a whole week costs, see my catamaran charter cost guide.
Where Veezent fits
Tell Veezent's AI concierge your group's experience and whether anyone has a licence, and it will only suggest options you can actually book, with the skipper already in the all-in price if you need one.
Sources: Licence-free limits: Sea Help: licence-free rental boats up to 6.8 hp in Croatia, Click&Boat: licence rules in Europe, Tubber: Europe boating licence guide. Greece bareboat requirements: Filovent: boat licences in Greece. Rules change; always confirm with your charter company before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to charter a sailing yacht?
To charter a sailing yacht bareboat (sailing it yourself), yes: at least the skipper needs a recognised boat licence, and the exact level depends on the country and the charter company. If you hire a professional skipper or book a crewed yacht, nobody in your group needs a licence.
Can I rent a boat without a licence?
Only small motorboats. In Croatia the limit is roughly 5 m and 5 kW (6.8 hp) within 500 m of the coast; in Spain 5 m and 15 hp within 2 nautical miles; in Italy engines up to 40 hp within 6 nautical miles; in Greece powerboats up to about 30 hp. Any real sailing yacht needs a licence.
Is the ICC accepted for yacht charter?
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is widely accepted by charter companies in the Mediterranean. National licences and qualifications such as RYA Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper are often accepted too, but the charter company has the final say.
What extra certificate do I need in Croatia?
Besides the skipper's licence, someone on board needs a VHF radio operator's certificate (such as the SRC).
What if nobody in my group has a licence?
Hire a skipper. For about €170–€250 a day in Croatia, a professional sails the boat, and you can still learn and take the helm.