Sailing license cost in Croatia, Greece & Turkey
Let’s say you already know how to sail a boat and you think about getting a sailing license. Or maybe you have one, but you want to get an international sailing license. First, you need to do your research – decide in which country you would like to apply in order to achieve your goal, gather all the information on which documents you need and what you have to do in order to get an international sailing license. In this article, we will help you decide exactly that.
Understanding how to get a sailing license can be difficult. It is because many countries issue them differently. In this article, we decided to give you more information about how to get a sailing license in Croatia, Greece and Turkey.
How to get a sailing license in Croatia?
For starters, why Croatia? For those who have never visited the country, a charter cruise there can easily compete for a memorable experience. It has a lot of islands to explore and is very busy during a peek season. The country is perfect for the nature-lovers since it has more of an off the beaten track feel.
When it comes to sailing license in Croatia, anyone who drives a boat in the territorials of the Republic of Croatia must possess valid license navigation which must include VHF radio license that will be: international, a license of his country obtained according to law or Croatian license. When it comes to skip’s license, it is a legal requirement and there is an official list of recognised licenses published by the authorities. This list shows qualifications that are issued by many authorities around the world that are recognised in Croatia. The following sailing licenses and permits issued by approved organisations are valid in Croatia:
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International
- RYA – Day Skipper Course
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America
If you want to apply for a Skip’s license in Croatia, you need to pass some tests and examinations. What you need to know for the review is the following:
- Registratistration is available in captaincies ports
- Content: theoretical test in a form of questions that you need to answer in a given time (20 minutes)
- Languages: English, German, Croatian
- Approximate cost: €150 EU to €200 EU
Sailing License in Greece
When it comes to Greece, there are literally numerous islands that wait to be explored. It is perfect for those of you who want to explore the unspoiled shores. Have in mind that the distance between the islands is quite big. Also, note that in Greece the winds are stronger than in Croatia, or Turkey, so it can be a bit challenging if you are unprepared, especially in the months of July and August.
If you want to charter a yacht in Greece, there should be a licenced skipper and experienced crew members on board who are more than 18 years old. The expertise of the crew members has to be confirmed by a competent skipper in a written form.
If you want to know which sailing licenses or permits are valid in Greece, this is the list:
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America – ASA 104 or US Sailing (Bareboat Cruising Course)
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International (€454 EU or €318 EU)
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Greek port authorities do not accept “RYA Day Skipper Course” license since 2018. This means the sailors should prepare ICC, IPC, ASA 104 – 105, or equivalent
Sailing License – Turkey
Perfect for those who are looking for archaeological and historical interest, Turkey is the destination where you can explore ruins, castles and ruins. In here you will find beautiful bays ideal for swimming and snorkelling, not so many smaller islands though.
Turkey expects skippers to be qualified, but there is no official list of recognized licenses. Qualifications ideally should be from a national sailing body like RYA, ISA or one of the larger licensing bodies like IYT and ASA. The qualification should possibly include a photo and some sort of official number. The costs for RYA License start from €430 EU to €995 EU, ISA – €150 EU to €365 EU.
