What Is Required To Charter A Yacht In Greece?

To charter a yacht in Greece, certain qualifications are required, including valid travel documents and a Greek charter license. US citizens are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days in Greece. However, maintaining a Greek charter license can be challenging. Yacht Management Services in Greece can help navigate the process, ensuring the right qualifications and experience for the yacht you want to charter. Greece, a paradise for yacht chartering, offers sparkling waters and stunning islands. This guide teaches how to charter a yacht in Greece, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

To charter a sailing yacht in Greece, one crew member must be a sailing certificate holder, proving their competence. To sail in Greek waters, you will need to have:

1. A valid travel document.

2. A sailing certificate that proves competence.

3. A valid license for bareboat charters in Greece.

4. A sailing certificate that demonstrates the yacht’s capabilities.

Do I need a VHF licence in Greece?

Qualifications required for chartering a yacht in Greece Any other practical Day Sailing qualification issued by a recognised National sailing body is ok. If in doubt, just ask. A Power licence or ICC Power is not sufficient for chartering a sail boat. A VHF licence is currently not required for chartering in Greece.

Can I charter a yacht with a day skipper?

While you may have some sailing experience from spending a few hours on boats in recent years, telling a yacht charter company that you have experience simply won’t cut it.

In short, to charter a boat in many countries, you will need to have the RYA Day Skipper qualification or similar. First Class Sailing is one of leading providers of RYA courses, and you can sign-up with us before you charter a yacht in the future.

Passing your RYA Day Skipper qualification is essential if you want to sail and charter responsibly. This qualification will provide both you and the charter company with confidence in your sailing and safety skills.

It shows that you have a level of competency for operating a yacht and won’t be a danger on the water. Many national and international bodies recognise this qualification, and it’s often required by boat charter companies to ensure that the skipper has the necessary skills to operate the vessel safely and for insurance purposes.

What do I need to charter a yacht?

• Documents to Charter a Boat – Sailing Licences. Sailing licences:A valid licence is needed to sail all boats. However, the licence type you will need differs between boat types and countries. To rent a sailing boat, you’ll need, at the minimum, a day skipper licence. An ICC licence (International Certificate of Competence) is a globally accepted licence requiredto rent a boat in most countries. An ICC licence is easy to obtain – simply fill out an application, send in a copy of your current, valid licence and they will send back an ICC verified licence. Also, any documentation you have on your previous sails and charters is helpful to bring with you.
• Motorboat licences:If you want to rent a motorboat, you’ll generally need, at the minimum, a day charter licence, which is obtained through theory and practice. To obtain one of these licences, contact your local yacht club to find out what steps you need to take. You’ll also need to obtain an ICC licence, as above, when driving a motorboat in a country other than your own.
• Prior to booking, we can review your licence documentation with the charter company to ensure you’re all set to sail.
• If you do not have a sailing licence and are unable to obtain one before your trip, we recommend booking with a captain (skipper). A captain (skipper) will take care of all the complications of sailing a yacht, letting you kick back, relax and enjoy the sunset.
• Fishing licences:If you’re planning to do some serious fishing while on your holiday, you’ll probably need a valid fishing licence. These can be obtained at your local fishing club before departure.

Documents to Charter a Boat – Customs, Passports and Visas. Travelers always need to carry their passports on them. Do not forget this! Also, make sure to check that it is valid – you’d be surprised at how many times people try to travel with an expired passport. Always bring a photocopy of your passport in your checked luggage, too, just in case.

You may also need to obtain a tourist visa for the country you’ll be chartering a boat in. This, of course, depends on your nationality and where you are traveling to. You should contact the embassy of your destination to find out.

Do you need a VHF license in Greece?

Qualifications required for chartering a yacht in Greece Any other practical Day Sailing qualification issued by a recognised National sailing body is ok. If in doubt, just ask. A Power licence or ICC Power is not sufficient for chartering a sail boat. A VHF licence is currently not required for chartering in Greece.

What license do you need to rent a boat in Greece?

Can you rent a yacht in Greece – do I need a license?. Small boats (under a certain horsepower or length), electric boats, crewed yacht charters, and gulet charters may not require a license. Larger boats or those with more powerful engines need a skipper’s license. Before you confirm your sailing trip to Greece, please send us a copy and we will check it for you. You need to have the original copies on board, so don’t forget to take them.To sail in Greece, one of the following qualifications is necessary:ICC (International Certificate of Competence), with valid Navigational and VHF licenses,IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), AmericaPrerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”AND/ORUK – RYA Day Skipper practical (with our without photo)USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or aboveGermany – “Sportbootführerschein See” or aboveBelgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite généralFrance – LE PERMIS PLAISANCEIf you do not have a skipper license, it is also possible to rent a boat with a skipper.

How to charter a yacht for the first time?

• Preparing For Your Yacht Charter Vacation. Complete preference forms. Everyone in the group fills out a preference form that details their likes, dislikes, interests, allergies, or medical information.
• Introductory call with the Captain. You’ll feel at ease speaking to the captain and establishing a relationship. This will also give the captain an idea of your needs and expectations. You can discuss your itinerary and any other concerns.
• Receive the Axus Travel App link. This app lets you have your itinerary at your fingertips throughout your journey.
• Pre-departure call with CKIM 7-10 days before the trip. Discuss any last-minute questions and confirm all plans, including airline and hotel reservations and transfers.

Arrival at the Port of Embarkation. Meet your yacht’s Captain at the port of embarkation.;

Introduction to your crew and yacht. Your crew will show you to your staterooms, give you a tour of the boat, and make sure you are comfortable.;

What do I need to charter a yacht in Greece?

Understanding Greek Boating Regulations. The Essential Documentation. To charter a boat in Greece, you must present the required documentation. The country’s regulations stipulate that at least one crew member (typically the skipper) must have a valid sailing license recognized by the Greek authorities. Moreover, an understanding of international maritime laws and local navigation rules is indispensable.

Insurance and Liability. Before you sign your boat charter agreement, make sure you understand the insurance coverage. Verify what liabilities you are covered for and what falls under your responsibility.

What You Need To Know Before Renting A Boat In Greece 1.

What boating license do I need in Greece?

Types of Licences Recognised. Greece recognises both national and international boat licences. If you’re a resident of an EU country, your national licence will suffice, as long as it’s translated into English. For non-EU residents, an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or an equivalent certificate from a recognised body is required.

For the Non-Licensed. If you don’t hold a licence or aren’t confident sailing independently, worry not. Many companies, including Catamaran Charter Greece, offer boats with professional skippers, ensuring you can still embark on your dream voyage without the stress of navigating the waters on your own.

Why Does Greece Insist on Licences?. Ensuring Safety on the Waters. Greece’s waters, while stunning, can be challenging for novice sailors. Factors like the Meltemi wind in the Aegean Sea or navigating between closely spaced islands can be tricky. A license requirement ensures the skipper is equipped with necessary knowledge and skills.

What is the minimum requirement for a yacht?

Size is the primary factor in determining if a boat can be considered a yacht. While there is no official point at which a boat becomes a yacht, anything over 40-feet in overall length could conceivably be considered a yacht. In addition, as you move bigger in size, you will probably get into “mega-yacht” or “superyacht” territory. Basically, if you have an extremely large boat, you can call it a yacht and no one will argue.

While it’s easy to identify a large boat as a yacht, the bottom end of the yacht-size spectrum can be more difficult to determine. For instance, some may not agree that a 40-foot boat is a yacht. Others might say that 35-feet is the bare minimum, while others might say it must be 50-feet or more.

Length alone is not a reliable way to determine whether a boat is a yacht. That said, another defining feature to consider is luxury. A boat is much more likely to be a yacht if it is large in size and has many luxury amenities and entertainment features. In fact, the term “yacht” comes from the Dutch word “jaght,” which was used to designate boats that were used for pleasure by royalty.

How do I get a skipper license in Greece?

Canada can issue ICC’s. If you want to be able to apply for one, you’ll need to have finished the RYA Day Skipper Theory & Practical course. If you already have sufficient practical skill and theoretical knowledge (similar to RYA or higher), you could also take a one-day ICC assessment. These typically take about 6 hours and cost about $600. This is the cheapest way IF you already have the experience that’s required.

Do I need an ICC to sail in Greece?

In very general terms an ICC is required for the inland waterways of Europe, and for sailing in Mediterranean countries. It is generally not required for coastal sailing in Northern Europe.

Can I use the ICC outside Europe?. The ICC is not a global qualification. Even within Europe the ICC’s validity is determined by the issuing country and by the country you are visiting. At the discretion of countries elsewhere in the world it may be acceptable evidence of competence.

Does my ICC entitle me to charter a boat?. No, the ICC can be useful for people wishing to charter, but charter companies are under no obligation to accept the ICC as evidence of competence for people chartering their boats.