Legal frame Croatia: Pravilnik art. 4(5), NN 42/17 arts 25–26, Pomorski zakonik arts 1002, 1011–1012. Spain: Balearic Decreto 44/2025 art. 4.2; RDL 2/2011 arts 307, 312. Greece: ΓΚΛ 50 art. 3(19). Portugal: DL 149/2014 art. 13; DL 93/2018 art. 54. Montenegro: SL CG 160/2025 art. 296. Turkey: RG 33140 art. 18. UNECE Guidelines §E.
What to carry
Bring originals. Photocopies and phone photos are useful backups, not substitutes.
| Document | Why |
|---|---|
| Your licence or certificate (RYA, Irish Sailing) | Most national rules name this, not the ICC |
| ICC | Croatia and Spain name it; elsewhere it supports your case |
| SRC or other radio certificate | Croatia makes it a condition; charter companies ask anyway |
| Passport | Identity; for residence-based titles, proof of residence too |
| DGRM declaration (UK holders, Portugal) | Third-country titles need it |
| Official translation + consular certificate (Greek speedboats) | Required at checks |
| Sworn French translation (France, motor) | "Le cas échéant" |
| Crew list | Required at clearance in Croatia, Montenegro and Greece |
Keep the originals aboard. Italy requires the original licence to stay on the boat.
How charter companies check
- Croatia. The company must check your certificate before the hire. Boats up to 15 m and yachts up to 18 m need a skipper with a B licence or a recognised equivalent; yachts of 18–24 m need a yacht master plus a crew member with B. Expect your documents to be copied into the handover record.
- Spain (Balearics). The lessor must check that your title is sufficient and must not sign the contract if it is not.
- Portugal. The operator must verify the user's qualification before handing over.
- Greece. The law asks for one qualified skipper. Many companies also ask for a second qualified crew member; that is practice, not law found.
Companies commonly ask for a sailing CV or logbook as well. UNECE's guidelines confirm they may set their own terms. The RYA's advice is to get the document list in writing before you book.
WARNING — Insurance follows the paperwork If you skipper outside your certificate's limits, assume the yacht's insurance and your deposit are at risk. Check the charter contract's clause on skipper qualifications before you sign it.
What officials ask for
Port police, harbour masters and coastguard officers usually ask for the skipper's certificate, boat papers, crew list and insurance. In Croatia, licence or papers not aboard is a fine of its own.
Typical fines
| Country | Offence | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Skippering beyond your title ("grave") | up to €180,000 |
| Portugal | No adequate qualification (individual) | €300–3,000 |
| Italy | Helming without the required licence | €2,755–11,017 |
| Croatia | Company letting an unqualified person helm | ≈ €664–1,327 |
| Croatia | Papers not aboard | ≈ €40–106 |
| Montenegro | Helming a boat without the licence (individual, since 7 Jan 2026) | €500–2,000 |
| Malta | Driving without a nautical licence | €500 |
| Turkey | Helming without a valid licence (since 17 Jul 2026) | TRY 2,500 per metre of length |
TIP — One folder, one copy each Put everything in a single waterproof folder and give your mate a set of copies. Officials are patient with organised crews.