If you plan to charter a yacht in Croatia without a professional skipper, you must comply with Croatian maritime regulations. At least one person on board must hold:
A valid skipper licence, and
A valid VHF radio licence (SRC or equivalent)
Both documents must be presented in original form at check-in.
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Which Skipper Licences Are Accepted?
Croatia recognises a wide range of international certificates, provided they demonstrate adequate coastal navigation competence. Commonly accepted licences include:
Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Day Skipper or higher
International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
ASA coastal certifications (with VHF endorsement)
National coastal skipper licences from EU and selected non-EU countries
All accepted certificates must meet the standards defined by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure.
Always confirm acceptance with your charter company before arrival, as internal policies may vary depending on yacht size and insurance requirements.
Croatian Licence Options
If you do not hold a recognised certificate, you can obtain a Croatian licence:
Boat Skipper Category B – Suitable for recreational coastal navigation.
Boat Leader Category C – More comprehensive, often chosen by experienced or professional skippers.
Both licences include maritime law, navigation, COLREGs, safety procedures, and radio communication basics.
VHF Radio Requirement
A VHF licence is mandatory if the yacht is equipped with a marine radio (which all charter yachts are). This is usually:
RYA SRC
ICC with radio endorsement
National VHF certificate
Without valid radio certification, you cannot legally act as skipper.
Final Checklist Before Charter
Confirm licence recognition Bring original certificates Upload copies in advance Ensure VHF licence is valid
Proper documentation ensures smooth check-in and allows you to focus on what truly matters — sailing the Adriatic safely and confidently.
If you are unsure about your qualification status, feel free to contact us at info@thelunasailing.com for guidance.