Legal frame Applies the rules from Module 2: Croatia MMPI table (21 May 2026); Montenegro Zakon o jahtama art. 20 and SL CG 160/2025 arts 99, 102; Spain RD 875/2014 Anexo IX and RD 1188/2025; Portugal DL 93/2018 art. 39 and the DGRM lists; Italy D.M. 146/2008 art. 34.
Case 1: UK Day Skipper, Split to Montenegro
Kit: RYA Day Skipper (practical, with CoC), UK ICC (Sail, Coastal), SRC. Boat: Croatian-flag 13 m sailing yacht, bareboat.
- Croatia. The ICC endorsed C is accepted under the blanket clause. The Day Skipper CoC row covers yachts up to 24 m. The yacht has a VHF, so the SRC meets the radio condition. Covered.
- Montenegro. The yacht is foreign-flag there. Clear in at a port of entry, buy the vignette, certify the crew list. Competence is judged by flag-state rules under the yacht law, and Croatia's own table accepts your documents. The new art. 102 list does not come into it for a 13 m yacht. Check the charter contract permits leaving Croatian waters.
- Verdict: fine, with the SRC. Without it, someone else aboard must hold a radio certificate.
Case 2: UK ICC holder renting a motor boat in Mallorca
Kit: UK ICC "Power up to 10 m", from Powerboat Level 2. Boat: 7 m, 115 CV rental.
- Anexo IX accepts the ICC as the certificate specifies: motor up to 10 m within 5 nm. The boat fits.
- From 1 October 2026, even a 5 m / 15 CV rental needs a title, so the ICC matters on small boats too.
- The lessor must check, and must refuse if the boat exceeds your attributions. A 12 m boat would be a no.
- Verdict: fine within 5 nm. See Renting a Boat or Jet Ski in the Balearics.
Case 3: Portugal, Irish versus UK holder
Two friends plan a week from Lagos on a Portuguese-flag yacht.
- The Irish Sailing holder's ICC is an EU title, recognised automatically, and on DGRM's EU list.
- The UK holder's ICC is not on DGRM's list. Their RYA Day Skipper is, so they apply for a DGRM declaration before travel.
- Verdict: either can skipper, once the UK holder has the declaration.
Case 4: UK holder hiring a RIB in Italy
Kit: UK ICC (Power, Coastal), Powerboat Level 2. Boat: 6 m RIB, 60 kW, Italian-flag.
- Over 30 kW, so a licence is needed even inside 6 nm.
- Art. 34 accepts a document "recognised by the State" of citizenship, within its limits. Whether the UK ICC is one is not confirmed.
- Verdict: uncertain. Get the rental company's acceptance by email, or choose a boat under 30 kW within 6 nm.
CAUTION — The friend's licence trick A crew member with the right licence must actually be the skipper. Booking under one name and helming under another is exactly what Spanish, Croatian and Portuguese fines target.
When your licence is not enough
| Option | When it fits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade your certificate | Recurring trips | Day Skipper CoC instead of the course certificate; Coastal Skipper for bigger boats; add Inland via the CEVNI test |
| Take the local licence | Rentals in Montenegro or Malta, or Turkish private boats | Montenegrin voditelj čamca (18+, compulsory course, medical, exam); TM nautical licence; Turkish ADB 10 / ADB 24 (residence-permit holders only) |
| Hire a skipper | One-off trips, bigger boats, Greek second-crew rules | Charter companies arrange this; budget for it |
TIP — Fix it before you pay Every case above was solvable on paper weeks ahead and expensive on the day. Send your documents to the charter company when you book and ask for written confirmation.
For skills, see RYA Day Skipper/Yachtmaster and the COLREGs trainer in the MCA library.