What Documents Do I Need to Charter a Boat in 2025?

If you’re planning a sailing holiday, the first question you’ll likely ask yourself is: what documents do I need to charter a boat? The truth is that while chartering a yacht is not complicated, the paperwork can catch people out. What counts as a valid boat license changes from country to country, and so do the penalties if you get it wrong. Florida boat rental rules, for example, don’t apply to Greece, and Italy has its own sailing requirements again.

To make sure you avoid last-minute surprises, this guide covers exactly what documents you need to charter a boat in 2025, depending on your trip and destination. This isn’t about theory, it’s about passports, licenses, insurance and real charter boat requirements. If you’ve ever asked yourself what documents do I need to charter a boat before, this is the complete guide you need.

The Essentials Every Company Will Ask For

One of the first things to understand when asking what documents do I need to charter a boat is that certain paperwork is universal. At the top of the list is your passport or national ID, which must be valid and in date. Many marinas even check every crew member’s passport, not just the skipper’s, so it’s important to make sure everyone is prepared. You will also need your charter contract and booking confirmation, ideally both printed and saved on your phone. Having a paper copy speeds up check-in and avoids the stress of searching for emails with poor marina Wi-Fi.

If you are planning a bareboat charter, one of the most important requirements is a skipper license or competency certificate. The most widely accepted document is the ICC (International Certificate of Competence), but the RYA Day Skipper or other national equivalents can also work. Always confirm that your license covers the type of boat you are renting, whether sailing or motor, and check if there are size limits. You’ll also be asked to submit a crew list with the names, passport numbers and sometimes emergency contacts for everyone on board.

This is particularly important in countries like Greece, Croatia and Turkey, where authorities formally register the crew. Finally, be prepared to leave a security deposit, usually by credit card, which is held until the boat is returned. These deposits can be substantial, often between €1,000 and €3,000 or more depending on the yacht. Understanding what documents do I need to charter a boat before you leave home will save time and stress at the marina.

Do You Need a Boat License to Rent a Boat?

A key part of answering what documents do I need to charter a boat is understanding when a license is mandatory. The short answer is that it depends on the type of charter. If you are renting a bareboat, then yes you are legally in command of the vessel and must show proof of competency. If you are booking a skippered charter, you do not need a license yourself, since the skipper carries one on your behalf.

For day trips and fully crewed excursions, a license isn’t necessary either, but you should still carry valid ID as marinas and authorities often require it for security. As a rule of thumb, if you picture yourself at the helm, you will need a license. If you’re unsure about the rules, reviewing what documents do I need to charter a boat for your specific destination will give you peace of mind.

Regional Boat License Requirements

Another reason sailors keep asking what documents do I need to charter a boat is that the rules vary so much depending on destination. In Croatia, an ICC or national skipper license is mandatory, and you will also need a VHF radio license. These rules are strictly enforced, particularly in high season. In Greece, a skipper license is required, and one other crew member must show basic competency, often through a signed declaration. Malta accepts the ICC or RYA Day Skipper as standard, but if you don’t have one, hiring a skipper is the easiest solution.

In Italy and Spain, the ICC is widely accepted, but larger yachts may require stricter national qualifications, so it’s important to confirm with the charter company. Florida has different rules again: there is no universal license, but anyone born after 1988 must hold a valid boating safety card. Other popular sailing hotspots also vary. In Turkey, a license is required but charter companies can easily arrange a skipper if you need one.

In the Caribbean, regulations are often more flexible, and many destinations do not require a formal license for smaller boats as long as a skipper is on board. Knowing the regional rules is part of understanding what documents do I need to charter a boat, so you arrive fully prepared.

Extra Paperwork You Might Need (That People Forget)

When thinking through what documents do I need to charter a boat, it’s easy to stop at passports and skipper licenses. But there are several other items that can cause problems if forgotten. Insurance documents are essential, especially deposit insurance that can protect you from major costs if you accidentally damage the boat. Skipper liability insurance is also worth considering, as it covers third-party damages that the yacht’s own insurance may exclude.

Another important but often overlooked requirement is a radio operator license (VHF certificate), which is separate from your skipper’s license. In Croatia, Greece and Italy, this certificate is mandatory, and without it you can be stopped at check-in. Thinking through these items helps answer the ongoing question of what documents do I need to charter a boat so you’re not caught off guard.

You should also make sure your travel insurance explicitly covers sailing or yachting activities, since many standard policies do not. Families should carry children’s travel consent forms if only one parent or guardian is travelling, as border authorities and charter companies can demand them. Carry copies of any health documents or prescriptions for essential medications, and if you’re sailing outside the EU, keep a copy of visas or entry permits for each crew member. Reviewing these items completes your preparation for what documents do I need to charter a boat, leaving nothing to chance.

Quick Checklist Before You Leave Home

Before heading to the marina, run through a final check of what documents you need to charter a boat. Make sure you have both printed and digital copies of every required document, and bring backup power like a portable charger in case your phone dies. Save the contact numbers of your charter base, the marina office and emergency contacts WhatsApp is often more reliable than email in port areas.

If your license is not in English, bring either an ICC or an official translation, as non-English documents can cause problems at check-in. Finally, carry weather and route printouts. Not only are they useful if you lose signal offshore, but charter companies often appreciate seeing that you’re prepared. Asking yourself one last time what documents do I need to charter a boat ensures you have everything before departure.

The bottom line is simple: whenever you ask yourself what documents do I need to charter a boat, the answer depends on where you are sailing and whether you are the skipper or hiring one. But in every case, being prepared with the right paperwork is the easiest way to ensure your holiday gets off to the best possible start. For a stress-free trip, double-check what documents do I need to charter a boat right before you leave.

Boat booked? Good. Now get your documents in order. Borrow A Boat makes the sailing simple, just show up with the right paperwork and you’re off the dock.