Do you need a license?
There is no universal international sailing licence. Requirements vary significantly between countries and charter companies. In practice, most charter companies worldwide require either a recognised qualification like the RYA Day Skipper or ASA 104, or a detailed sailing resume demonstrating equivalent experience.
RYA qualifications
The RYA Day Skipper (Practical) is the standard bareboat entry requirement, accepted worldwide. It covers coastal passage planning, pilotage, and boat handling. The practical course typically takes 5 days aboard.
ASA qualifications
The ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising) is the standard charter requirement in North America and widely accepted in the Caribbean.
ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
The ICC is a UN-backed certificate recognised across Europe — Greece, Croatia, Turkey, France, and Spain. UK sailors with an RYA Day Skipper can obtain an ICC directly from the RYA.
Country-specific rules
- Greece: ICC or national equivalent + VHF SRC
- Croatia: ICC or national equivalent + VHF SRC required by law
- Turkey: ICC or Turkish national certificate
- BVI/Caribbean: No government requirement — charter company standard applies
If you don't have a qualification
Flotilla sailing — join a guided group with a lead boat. Hire a skipper — $165–$275/day. Take a course first — an RYA Day Skipper takes 5 days and opens charter opportunities worldwide.