What is a Bareboat Charter and Do You Need a Licence?

What is a bareboat charter?

A bareboat charter means you hire the boat without crew. You are the skipper. The boat comes equipped with everything needed for sea: GPS chartplotter, VHF radio, life raft, flares, dinghy, safety equipment. What it doesn't come with is a captain or cook. You navigate, anchor, moor, provision and manage the voyage entirely yourself and your crew.

This is the most popular form of sailing holiday for qualified sailors — it gives complete independence and flexibility. You choose your route, stay as long as you like in each bay, and answer to nobody except the weather and the harbour master.

What qualifications do you need?

Requirements vary by country, but the standard across Europe is:

Croatia: ICC (International Certificate of Competence) + VHF SRC (Short Range Certificate). Required by law.

Greece: ICC + VHF SRC. Required by law. Greek authorities actively patrol and inspect charter vessels.

Spain: Spanish Titulín (PER — Patrón de Embarcación de Recreo) or ICC. Charter companies may accept ICC with supporting logbook.

France: ICC or equivalent national licence.

Italy: VHF SRC required. The ICC is accepted but Italy also recognises the equivalent national licence (Patente Nautica).

Turkey: Turkish coastal licence or ICC equivalent. Charter companies also check the skipper's logbook for minimum sea miles.

British Virgin Islands: ICC or USCG licence recognised. All charter companies conduct a sign-off sail in harbour before departure.

Montenegro: ICC + VHF SRC.

What is the ICC?

The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is a document issued by national sailing authorities (in the UK, the RYA) that confirms the holder is competent to skipper a recreational craft in inland and coastal waters. It is recognised across most European countries as the minimum qualification for bareboat charter.

In the UK, the ICC is obtained by:

1. Completing the RYA Day Skipper practical course (5 days on the water at an RYA-affiliated school, approximately £700–900)
2. Applying to the RYA for the ICC (fee: approximately £30)

The ICC application requires proof of your RYA Day Skipper certificate plus a valid first aid certificate (a one-day course, widely available from St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross).

The RYA Day Skipper practical course

The Day Skipper practical course is five days of continuous sailing from an RYA-affiliated sailing school in the UK or abroad (many schools run Mediterranean-based courses in Greece and Croatia). You'll need to have completed the RYA Day Skipper theory first — available as a classroom course or online (approximately 40 hours, £150–200).

On the practical course, you'll cover:

• Coastal navigation and passage planning
• Weather forecasting and understanding wind
• Anchoring, mooring and marina berthing
• Man-overboard recovery
• Night sailing
• Collision regulations (ColRegs)
• Sail trim and boat handling

After five days, most students are capable of handling a 38ft yacht in moderate coastal conditions with confidence.

The VHF SRC (Short Range Certificate)

The VHF Short Range Certificate is a legal requirement for operating a marine VHF radio, including calling Mayday on Channel 16. It's a one-day course covering radio procedures, distress calls, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and relevant maritime law.

Cost: approximately £80–120. Available from RYA-affiliated training centres and online with the Yachtmaster Online assessment. Required alongside the ICC for bareboat charter in Croatia, Greece and most Mediterranean countries.

What the charter company checks at sign-off

When you arrive at the charter base, the company representative will:

1. Review your ICC and VHF SRC certificates
2. Check your logbook for recent offshore experience (some companies require a minimum number of logged sea miles)
3. Brief you on the boat systems (engine, electrics, navigation equipment, safety equipment)
4. Conduct a brief sign-off sail in the harbour or marina approach to confirm basic handling competence

The sign-off sail typically lasts 20–30 minutes. It will involve coming alongside a pontoon, reversing out, and demonstrating basic sail trim. Don't be nervous — it's an opportunity to ask questions, not a test to fail.

Alternatives if you don't have a licence

Skippered charter: Add a professional skipper for £150–300 per day. No qualifications needed.

Flotilla sailing: Sail as part of a led group with professional support boat. Good for those beginning to learn.

Gulet charter: In Turkey, gulets come with full crew. No licence needed. Complete sailing experience without any responsibility.

Top tips for your first bareboat

1. Choose a beginner-friendly destination: Croatia or the Greek Ionian. Short passages, reliable winds, excellent marinas.
2. Don't over-plan the route: Allow two to three hours per passage, leave time to stop. The best anchorages are found spontaneously.
3. Go with experienced crew: If you're newly qualified, bring at least one other competent sailor on board.
4. Practice before you go: If your ICC is six months old, consider a refresher day sail with an instructor before departure.
5. Buy the damage waiver: The £150–250 per week premium is worthwhile for peace of mind on your first bareboat.

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