Chartering in European Waters

For Bareboat Chartering in the European Union

If you desire to charter a sailboat or powerboat in the Mediterranean, we recommend obtaining a US Sailing International Proficiency Certificate© to simplify the charter process and operate a vessel in compliance with EU law.

In order to make it easier for cruising sailors from the U.S. to charter sailboats in the European Union (EU), US Sailing has created a simple certification program for cruising sailors seeking to charter sailboats in European Union waters. The International Proficiency Certificate©, an extension of US Sailing’s current Keelboat Certification System, allows sailors who have completed a US Sailing Bareboat Cruising course to charter sailboats without a captain in EU waters.

The International Proficiency Certificate© works much like a driver’s license for a car. The certificate must be presented to a charter company to obtain a boat, and then carried aboard at all times while sailing in EU waters.  The certificate is good for five years from the date of issue.