Beautiful landscapes with offshore islands and a mostly calm sea make the waters along the Adriatic coast a popular area for yacht charters. This is worth a visit every year – especially if you are travelling on a boat. In this article, you can find out how you can enjoy the sea in Croatia without a boating licence and which boating licence you might need after all.
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The answer to the driving licence in a nutshell: You don’t need a boat driving licence for Croatia if you book a yacht with a skipper.
If you or another crew member have a boating licence, you can charter a boat in Croatia without a skipper and go exploring on your own.
A recreational boating licence for the sea (SBF-See) is required for chartering. If you have a recreational boating licence, you may only have sailed around in a small motorboat and have no knowledge of the art of sailing. Without additional practical experience, licence holders should not operate a sailing boat unsupervised.
Important: Holders of the SBF-See licence under the age of 18 are only permitted to sail boats with a maximum engine power of 20 hp in Croatia. Gliding is not permitted.
As proof of sufficient experience, some providers also require the Sport Coastal Skipper’s Licence (SKS). Holders have learnt the theory and practice of sailing and have demonstrably sailed at least 300 nautical miles in coastal waters. Although the SKS is not officially required, it serves as proof to the hire company that you have sufficient experience.
You will also need the Short Range Certificate (SRC), as the motor and sailing yachts offered for charter are usually equipped with a radio.
Renting a boat with a skipper in Croatia – Do I still need a boat licence?
The skipper is responsible for safety on board and takes care of everything. This is why it is not only boat tourists with little or no experience who opt for a boat with a skipper. Owners of a boat licence for Croatia also often charter with a skipper and benefit from the advantages. With an experienced skipper on board, you can sit back, learn from a professional and relax. You discuss the desired route with him in advance and receive many valuable tips thanks to his local knowledge. The certified skippers know the area inside out and regularly take part in training courses. You can either lend a hand and learn something at the same time – or you can book a complete crew and not have to worry about anything. So you can simply enjoy your holiday in Croatia – with or without a boating licence.
Can I rent a boat in Croatia without a boating licence?
Yes, but only with a skipper! There are countries where you are allowed to drive and rent small motorboats with an engine of up to 15 hp without a licence. However, this rule does not apply in Croatia. Here, a recreational boating licence is a prerequisite for driving all boats. Otherwise, insurance cover is not provided.
If you don’t want to get a boating licence for your boating holiday in Croatia, booking with a skipper is a good solution, as already mentioned. This way, you can also sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful Croatian sea to the full. Just as a holiday should be.
Get your boating licence in Croatia
The waters of Croatia are generally very suitable for crews with little experience. You can look forward to plenty of sunshine and crystal-clear water. There are two types of boating licence that you can obtain in Croatia:
- Boat Skipper A entitles you to sail motorboats up to seven metres long and sailing yachts with an engine power of up to 20 hp.
- Boat Skipper B corresponds to the Croatian coastal licence and entitles you to operate yachts with radio equipment. There is no horsepower limit, it includes the radio operator’s certificate and is valid for vessels up to 30 gross register tonnes. The Croatian licence cannot be converted into a German SBF-See.
How to rent a boat in Croatia without a boating licence
To make your holiday the best it can be, our experts will be happy to advise you and answer any questions you may have. We will help you choose a boat and give you practical tips. Together we will find the perfect package so that you can spend an unforgettable time on the water with your family or friends. Get in touch now, request a quote for the desired period or book directly. When booking, indicate whether you require a skipper or not. Simply click on the button at the top of the page and let us know what you need for your perfect holiday on a boat – we’ll make it possible for you, even without a boating licence.