Boat pilot license requirements

That kind of defeats the purpose of owning a boat, right? Getting the right certification for your requirements, be it a Day Skipper , Coastal Skipper , Local Waters Skipper or Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence , will allow you and your sailing companions to get the most out of your yacht and enjoy it to the maximum.

If you already have significant sailing experience, you may want to go the self-study route and simply take your exams at an accredited sailing school. They should provide you with the necessary practical and theoretical training to confidently captain your yacht. If you hold this license, you will be qualified to skipper a sailboat inland during day and night.

Local waters are defined as 15 nautical miles, or 25 miles, from your home port, given that they are no more than 15 nautical miles from an approved safe haven.

A Yachtmaster Ocean certificate is a badge of honour, indicating that you have mastered celestial navigation. You will need your international accreditation through the Royal Yacht Association or International Yacht Training if you wish to skipper a yacht or superyacht as a career.

If you have your sights set on the waters of Europe and the Mediterranean, you will need an ICC to do so legally. However, it is essential to note that the US and Canada have different international captain license requirements and do not recognise the International Certificate of Competence. An important consideration to keep in mind is that the Certificate of Competence you select will very much depend on your individual needs and circumstances. So, your motivation recreational, commercial or professional international sailing will determine which skipper training course you select.

They are:. Here you will find lots of information on the various sailing Certificates of Competence or skipper tickets, as they are also known available to you. It is more involved and revolves around the type of usage, number of passengers, boating experience, and even the weight of the vessel. Sadly, it is not uncommon for people to abandon a boat, much like a car is abandoned in a field or on the side of a road.

People abandon them for many reasons such as, the vessel gets too old, or it has become too much of a financial burden. So, it is not unusual to find derelict, abandoned, or crafts at risk for sinking or damaging other property to be left tied up or free-floating. Derelict, abandoned, or at risk boats are a danger. They become floating dangers to other boaters, the waterways, and marine life. Municipalities can even fine you for the abandonment or possibly threaten your license.

If you have a boat you no longer wish to own, there are many people with the itch to repair them. Selling it may be possible.

Local auctions will also often be happy to sell it off for you, regardless of the condition it may be in. That way, you can pass on the joy of being on the water to somebody else and not worry about losing your boating license. Skip to content. What are the requirements to go boating?