What You Need to Know Before You Go
Sailing in the Mediterranean is a dream for many, offering stunning coastlines, historic ports, and crystal-clear waters. Before you follow that dream make sure you’re ready because you’ll need more than just experience and/or courses to pick up that charter boat – you’ll need a license.
A Bit of History
Many Mediterranean countries mandate that sailors hold a recognized sailing license to ensure competency, safety, and compliance with international maritime laws. These licensing requirements stem from a broader effort to standardize boating qualifications, largely influenced by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Resolution No. 40, adopted in 1998. The standards set out in Resolution 40 provide a reasonable and appropriate level of competence for day sailing with due regard to the safety of navigation and crew and the protection of the environment. It also allowed boaters to use a single certification across multiple countries. When first established, only the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) was available to be achieved and recognized by charter companies, however there were limited options to acquire your ICC outside of Europe.
Today
There are now more options available to North Americans to acquire a Mediterranean license, each with their own unique pathways to success. The three most recognized sailing certifications in the Mediterranean are the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), the Sailing License and Credentials (SLC), and the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC).
Read on for more details on why you need a license, the licenses available, and the pathways and pricing to get you there.
Why You Need a Sailing License in the Mediterranean
1. Legal Compliance
Sailing without a proper license in many Mediterranean countries is illegal. Countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and France have strict regulations requiring proof of competency before allowing sailors to charter or operate a vessel. Harbour authorities and maritime patrols regularly inspect boats for valid documentation. If a sailor is caught without the necessary certification, they may face fines, vessel impoundment, or even a ban from certain waters.
2. Chartering a Boat
For those looking to rent or charter a yacht, a recognized license is mandatory. Charter companies typically require an ICC, SLC, or IPC before handing over a vessel. Without one, renting a boat in the Mediterranean becomes nearly impossible.
3. Insurance Requirements
Boat insurance providers often require proof of competency before issuing coverage. If an accident occurs and the sailor lacks a valid license, the insurance company may refuse to cover damages or liabilities, leaving the individual financially responsible.
4. Safety and Navigation Skills
The Mediterranean can present challenging sailing conditions, including sudden strong winds (such as the Mistral in France or the Meltemi in Greece), congested ports, and complex maritime traffic. A recognized license ensures that a sailor has the skills to navigate safely, handle emergencies, and adhere to international maritime regulations.
5. International Recognition and Ease of Travel
Holding an internationally recognized license allows sailors to move between different Mediterranean countries without legal complications. While each country has its own regulations, the ICC, SLC, and IPC are widely accepted, making border crossings smoother.
The Three Main Mediterranean Sailing Licenses
1. International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
• Issued through International Yacht Training (IYT)
Prerequisites
• Sail Canada (SC) Intermediate Cruising Standard, a 5 day/4 night liveaboard course https://sailingstrong.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Intermediate-Cruise-February-28-2024.pdf
• OR ‘Equivalent Sailing Experience’
• Documented in your sailing resume
• Review SC Intermediate Cruising Standard to assess your knowledge & skills
• IYT Theory & Exam
• In-class or IYT on-line
• Government issued boating license (PCOC in Canada)
4 hour on-water assessment
• ICC afloat challenge and written exam
• On your boat or the boat of the school where you do your on-water assessment
• Optional ICC prep course available
Why Choose ICC
If you already have your Sail Canada (SC)vBasic Cruising Standard and want to continue along the Sail Canada path, then this may be the right option for you. It is important to note that the prerequisites for the recommended SC Intermediate Cruising Standard include the SC Basic Cruising Standard and the SC Basic Coastal Navigation courses.
Cautionary Note from IYT from their website
• “A number of charter brokers are asking to see/verify a higher nautical qualification other than the ICC alone. The ICC is not a ‘course’”. IYT recommends acquiring course credentials which would be the Sail Canada Intermediate Cruising or RYA Day Skipper.
• https://www.iytworld.com/courses/international-certificate-of-competency-icc/
Costs (approx.)
• SC Intermediate 5 day/4night liveaboard $1900
• IYT Theory in class $695 or online $140 US
• On water assessment $395
• Fee from IYT to issue ICC card approx. $100
2. Sailing License and Credentials (SLC)
The Sailing License and Credentials (SLC) is an alternative to the ICC that is widely accepted in the Mediterranean, particularly by charter companies. It is issued by NauticEd, a USCG recognized international sailing education body.
Prerequisites
• Complete the online theory Bareboat Charter Master and SLC courses – approx. 40 hours https://www.nauticed.org/bundle/view/bareboatcharter?school=Merilee-Wright
• Pass the SLC 100 question online knowledge test
• Log a minimum of 50 days of documented sailing experience
• 25 of those days must be as master of vessel and 25 on a boat > 28ft
• Government issued boating license (PCOC in Canada)
6 hour on-water assessment
• SLC afloat challenge and written exam
• On your boat or your assessor’s boat
• Optional one day preparation session available
• Review SLC rubrics to assess your knowledge & skills https://www.nauticed.org/images/certification/proficiency/Rubrics-SLC-ICC-BBCM.pdf?school=sailing-strong
Why Choose SLC?
• Perfect for seasoned sailors who want to charter in the Mediterranean but have no sailing certifications and aren’t interested in classroom or liveaboard courses
• Recognized by major charter brokers such as Moorings, Sunsail and Navigare
• https://www.nauticed.org/SLC?school=sailing-strong
• https://sailing-blog.nauticed.org/how-to-gain-your-slc-mediterranean-sailing-license/?school=sailing-strong
Costs (approx.)
• NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master bundle $175 US
• SLC 6 hour on water assessment $900
• SLC License Fee approx. $100 US
3. International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)
The International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) is an alternative to the ICC and is issued by the American Sailing Association (ASA) and serves as proof of competency for sailors looking to charter boats. It is widely accepted by charter companies.
Prerequisites
• ASA 101 – Keelboat Sailing 1, a two day day-sail course covering theory and on-water
• ASA 103 – Coastal Cruising, a two day day-sail course covering theory and on-water
• A one day day-sail plus written exam challenge is available if experienced
• https://asa.com/certifications/
• ASA 104 – Bareboat Cruising
• 3 day/2 night liveaboard & written exam
ASA International Proficiency Certificate
• Once you complete your ASA 104 you can apply for your IPC online directly from ASA
• https://asa.com/international-proficiency-certificate/
Why Choose ASA IPC?
The ASA IPC provides full course training and credentials to the Bareboat Cruising level and does not require another level of assessment or exams. This is a great option for those that have already completed their ASA courses to 104 and can just apply to get their IPC.
Costs (Approx.)
• 7 day liveaboard 101, 103, 104 bundle $2,500
• 2 day sail challenges for 101, 103 plus 3 day liveaboard for 104 $1,950
• IPC License Fee approx.. $100 US
Where Can I Get My Mediterranean License
Sailing Strong offers a pathway for you to achieve the Mediterranean license that’s right for you. Check out our one-page document that summarizes the three options and includes links to the relevant information you will need to make your choice. Factors to consider in your selection include your level of experience, certifications currently held, available time and financial investment. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, contact us and we’ll be happy to chat and help you figure it out!
If you’re planning to sail in the Mediterranean, securing the right license in advance ensures a smooth, legal, and enjoyable experience on the water. Before setting sail, always check the specific requirements of the country you’ll be visiting to ensure compliance with local regulations.
