Before You Cast Off
Charter Prep
Planning to charter a yacht? Here is what the charter companies check, what to know before you book, and how to be the skipper your crew trusts.
The Short Version
What You Actually Need to Charter a Yacht
To bareboat charter, meaning to rent a yacht and sail it yourself with no professional captain aboard, you generally need three things: proof of competence, a little planning, and the confidence to lead your crew.
A charter company is handing you a boat worth several hundred thousand dollars, so they check that you can handle it. In practice that means:
- A recognized skipper certification. The IYT Bareboat Skipper certificate with an ICC is accepted by charter operators in most of the world. This is the single most important requirement.
- A sailing resume. A short, honest record of the boats you have sailed, the waters, and your role aboard. Most companies ask for one.
- A competent second. At least one other person aboard who can help handle the boat, since you should never sail shorthanded in unfamiliar waters.
- A VHF radio operator. Someone aboard qualified to use the marine radio, which is you once you complete the course.
All of this is exactly what our seven day Become the Captain course is built to deliver.
Step by Step
Your First Charter, From Booking to Cast Off
1. Choose your base and boat
Pick a cruising ground that matches your experience. The Caribbean and the Mediterranean are forgiving places to start, with steady winds and short hops between anchorages.
2. The handover
On arrival the charter company walks you through the boat, its systems, and any quirks. Take your time here and write things down. This is also when they confirm your paperwork.
3. The chart briefing
A local briefer points out the best anchorages, the hazards, and where to find fuel and water. Local knowledge is the most valuable thing you will collect all week.
4. Provisioning
Stock food, water, and fuel for the trip. Plan simple meals and carry a little more water than you think you will need.
5. Cast off
Ease out of the marina, set your sails, and settle into the rhythm of the trip. By the second day the boat feels like yours.
Before You Go
First Charter Checklist
- Skipper certification and ICC in hand
- Sailing resume filled out honestly
- Passports and travel documents for every crew member
- A float plan shared with someone ashore
- Weather forecast for your dates and region
- Basic spares, a first aid kit, and reef friendly sunscreen
- Offline charts or a backup navigation app
The Payoff
This Is What You Are Training For
Quiet coves, your own boat, and nobody to answer to. Charter prep is not paperwork, it is the last step between you and trips like this one.
The Route There
From First Course to First Charter
Intro to Sailing
IYT International Crew – 3 daysZero experience required. Learn the fundamentals as working crew on a real yacht.
Day Skipper
IYT Day Skipper – 4 daysTake the helm. Skipper a yacht on day passages with confidence.
Become the Captain
IYT Bareboat Skipper + ICC + VHF – 7 daysCharter yachts up to 60 feet anywhere in the world. No instructor required.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to charter a yacht?
For a bareboat charter you need a recognized skipper certification such as the IYT Bareboat Skipper with an ICC, a short sailing resume, and at least one competent crew member aboard. A VHF radio license is also expected, and it is included in our captain course.
Can I charter a yacht without a license?
You can charter with a professional skipper aboard and no qualifications of your own. To bareboat charter, meaning to sail it yourself, nearly every company requires a recognized certification. The Bareboat Skipper certificate with an ICC is the standard.
What is a bareboat charter?
A bareboat charter is renting a yacht and sailing it yourself, with no captain or crew provided. You are the skipper. It is the freest and most affordable way to charter, and it is what most of our students are training toward.
What is the difference between bareboat, skippered, and flotilla?
On a bareboat charter you sail alone with your own crew. On a skippered charter a professional captain sails the boat for you. On a flotilla you sail your own boat but travel in a group led by a lead crew, which is a popular halfway step for newer skippers.
How much experience do I need to charter?
Enough to hold the required certification and to handle the boat safely in the conditions you will meet. Our Become the Captain course is designed to take you from limited experience to genuinely charter ready in one focused week.
What is an ICC and do I need one?
The ICC, or International Certificate of Competence, is a widely recognized proof of skippering ability. Many countries, especially across Europe and the Mediterranean, expect a visiting skipper to hold one before chartering. It is included in our captain course.
Keep Exploring
Earn Your Charter Ticket
Seven days aboard. Leave with Bareboat Skipper, ICC, and VHF certifications, and the skills to use them.