Yacht licenses are a real challenge for novice boaters. Many questions arise. For example, what do the abbreviations IYT or ISSA mean. Let’s try to understand the complicated but important topic.
Do I need a license to sail a yacht?
If you are chartering a yacht, a license is a mandatory in most countries. As for yacht owners, it is possible to operate a vessel without a license, rarely anyone checks for the presence of a document. But, there may be difficulties with insurance.
Obtaining a skipper’s license: basic nuances
It is necessary to undergo training, which consists of theory and practice. You can study in two ways.
The first way — the theory is studied separately, includes all the questions: how the yacht is organized and how the navigation in the sea. You can pass even in your city, we will make a convenient schedule of classes. The practical part takes 7−10 days. After successful completion of practice, you can get a licence and hire a charter boat.
The second way — intensive two-week training, where the theory alternates with practice. The disadvantage of such training is that you need to master a lot of information in a short period of time. On the other hand, theoretical knowledge can be immediately reinforced with practical training.
Varieties of skipper’s licenses
It is worth noting at once that the rights to manage a charter yacht can differ from region to region. But there are systems of licensing that are relevant for most countries. The most common standard is the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). This includes the following international systems: IYT, ISSA and RYA.
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International Yacht Training (IYT). Established in Canada in 1988. IYT license is issued for 5 years. Training can be done in your own language, but terminology is taught only in English. The theoretical part of the training costs from 500 to 1300 dollars. The practical part costs approximately the same.
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International Sailing School Association (ISSA). It has been operating since 1969. It has no expiration date. You can be trained in your native language.
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Royal Yachting Association (RYA). The oldest system, whose roots go back to the 70s of the 19th century. Training is in English only. The cost of the theoretical part of the training is 500−600 euros.
3 main categories of licenses
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Initial category. Bareboat Skipper (IYT) /Inshore Skipper (ISSA) / Day Skipper (RYA). If you plan to rental a boat in Europe, this will be enough. With this license, you can sail no more than 20 miles offshore during the day in good weather conditions. What happens if you go farther than that? If there is a breakdown, the insurance company will not cover it.
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Medium Category. Coastal Skipper / Offshore Skipper. You can sail up to 60 miles out to sea, not only during the day but also at night.
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Highest category. Yachtmaster / Master of Yacht. Opens access to complex expeditions. For example, across the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
In fact, the category of license yacht is of relative importance. Charter companies primarily pay attention to the number of miles in the logbook. Carefully approach the choice of courses. After all, no matter what the acronym on your license, it is the knowledge and experience that will be gained that matters.
