Sailing Certification Courses & Endorsements

Chartering in European Waters

For Bareboat Chartering in the European Union with an IPC

If you desire to charter a sailboat or powerboat in the Mediterranean, we recommend obtaining a US Sailing International Proficiency Certificate© (IPC) 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.

Sailing the Mediterranean this summer? Get your International Proficiency Certificate and learn about the benefits it can bring you down below.

How to get an IPC

In order to obtain or renew an International Proficiency Certificate©, applicants must meet these requirements:

  1. Be a current US Sailing member
  2. Be US Sailing certified through Bareboat Cruising or be US Powerboating certified through Inshore Powerboat Cruising**

Examples:

Option 1 (Sailing):

  • Basic Keelboat
  • Basic Cruising
  • Bareboat Cruising

Option 2 (Powerboating):

  • Basic Powerboat Cruising
  • Inshore Powerboat Cruising

Option 3 Sailing and Powerboating:

  • All of the above

**A boater with previous experience and competency can challenge the required prerequisite levels by completing the written and practical examinations required for each certification.

Click here to learn about Challenging a Course

Then, follow this simple two-step process:

Step One: Apply via the online form

IPC Application

Step Two: Complete your order for the Certificate in the US Sailing Store

IPC Order

Processing Timeline:

  • Processing times may vary based on application volume. This may take anywhere from 1-2 business days to 2 weeks.
  • After processing, please allow 7-10 business days for shipping/delivery on all IPC orders.
  • If you need your IPC in less than 10 business days, you must select and pay the "Expedited Domestic Shipping Fee" of $50.00 when placing your order and provide the date you need to receive it by.

International Shipping Instructions

  1. When placing your order for the IPC, please select the "International Shipping Fee" of $25.00.
  2. At check out, please use our office address as the shipping address:
    • 1 Roger Williams University Way, Bristol, RI 02809
  3. The billing address should be your own corresponding to your payment method.
  4. Lastly, please confirm in the order notes that your shipping address is the one provided on your IPC application.
    • If you require shipment to a different address than the one provided on your application, please provide all components below:
  5. Name:
  6. Street:
  7. City:
  8. State/province:
  9. Zip code:
  10. Phone:
  11. Email address:

Note: International Shipping is not required for Canada, Mexico, or USVI.

If these requirements are not followed, purchases will be voided after 60 days and not refunded. Please monitor your email used for purchase if there are any follow-up questions for your application.

The following countries require a certificate, but not limited to:

  • Austria
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • United Kingdom
  • The following countries may require a certificate for use within their territory.
  • Check with your charter company.
  • Moldova
  • Russian Federation
  • Serbia
  • Sweden
  • Ukraine

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Apply by mail: IPC - DOWNLOADABLE PDF FORM *Please note: mail applications require additional processing time.

For more information about US Sailing’s International Proficiency Certificate©, Contact Us or call US Sailing at 401-342-7900.