Understanding Certifications
Yachts | Sailboats | Powerboats
SaferBoater's Certification Process
If you're looking for the right boating certifications to stay compliant in the US, embark on international travel adventures, and become eligible for insurance, you're in the right place. Earning these certifications and enhancing your boating experience will be recognized by charter companies, sailing schools, and insurance providers worldwide. Without these certifications, many insurance companies may refuse to provide coverage.
Where are you Boating?
Domestic Certifications
SaferBoater offers the only on-the-water training programs authorized to meet the NASBLA standards set forth in ALL 50 states, including those that require a Boater’s Education Training Course in order to rent or purchase a boat.
Hands-On Skills Courses
We offer the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) curriculum broken down into 4 easy to master on-the-water courses. Each course lasts 3 hours and can be taken based on your schedule.
- Module One | Boating Fundamentals
- Module Two | Precision Docking & Boat Handling
- Module Three | Open Water Boat Handling
- Module Four | Open Water Advanced Maneuvering
Women Only courses are available and provide a supportive and empowering environment for women to learn boating skills and gain confidence on the water.
AND
Complete A Written
Boaters Education Course
Qualify for your state's boating education certificate by completing the BoatUS Foundation Free Online Boating Safety Course for your state.
Knowledge & Skills Courses
Our 16-hour course follows the US Powerboating’s Safe Powerboat Handling curriculum. This course takes place over two consecutive days, consists of both In-Classroom and On-The-Water Training. A written test is administered at the end of the second day. Successful completion will provide you with a boating certificate which makes this course the only all-encompassing course approved through NASBLA to meet the requirements for boat training in all 50 States.
Classroom Sessions
- Starting and Safety
- Boating Equipment
- Navigation and Rules of Driving
- Aids to Navigation and
- Environmental Regs
- Exam Review Session
On-The-Water Sessions
- Engine & Electrical Systems
- Starting Procedures
- Docking
- Leaving & Returning to a Slip
- Close-Quarters Maneuvers
- Anchoring
- Steering a Range
- Proceeding to a Destination
- Person In Water Rescue
To learn more about your state's boating education requirements Click Here.
International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)
Planning an international yacht trip is simpler than you think ... with the right help!
The first step is obtaining your International Proficiency Certificate, which we can provide. Simply decide if you prefer to learn on our yacht or have us travel to train you on your yacht. Either way, we've got you covered!
US Sailing/US Powerboating has created a straightforward certification program that allows US yacht owners and drivers to charter motoryachts and sailboats in the European Union.
The International Proficiency Certificate©, an extension of US Sailing's current Keelboat Certification System, allows sailors who have completed a US Sailing Bareboat Cruising or a US Powerboating Inshore Cruising course to charter sailboats without a captain in EU waters.
The International Proficiency Certificate© functions like a car driver's license. It must be presented to a charter company to obtain a boat and then carried aboard at all times while sailing in EU waters. The certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue.
Who Requires An IPC?
To rent a yacht from the European Union, you are required to have an IPC (International Proficiency Certificate). These courses are not only approved by the EU but also recognized in 30+ Countries.
The following countries require an International Proficiency certificate:
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russian Federation
Serbia
Slovakia
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Most insurance companies offer owners discounts for these certifications. Outside the US, they are recognized higher than a captain's license for charter rental.
MotorYacht - IPC Curriculum
This Course takes 5 days (44 Hours) to Complete.
Our Yacht Education Courses embark on a comprehensive journey that begins with the fundamentals of motor yachting and culminates in mastering skippering abilities and seamless crew coordination.
We transform novices with no prior knowledge into confident, competent boaters. The first two courses lay the essential groundwork and are mandatory, while the third course is highly recommended to attain your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). Join us and set sail towards expertise and excellence on the open waters!
- Basic Powerboat Cruising (16 Hours)
- Inshore Powerboat Cruising (24 Hours)
- Night Operations Endorsement (4 Hours)
Upon successfully completing our core powerboating skills course, you'll be eligible to apply for a prestigious MotorYacht International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). This esteemed certification grants you the privilege to rent a yacht and embark on thrilling adventures in virtually any corner of the globe. Cruise with confidence and explore the world's most breathtaking waterways!
Sailing - IPC Curriculum
This course takes 8 Days (64 Hours) to Complete.
Our Sailing Education Courses begins with the basics of sailing and concludes with skippering ability and crew coordination. We take a novice with no knowledge and turn them into a competent sailor by beginning with our first three courses:
Upon successfully completing our core sailing skills course, you'll be eligible to apply for a US Sailing International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). This prestigious certification allows you to rent a sailboat and embark on adventures practically anywhere in the world. Sail with confidence and explore new horizons!
For our dedicated advanced students, we recommend and offer these three extraordinary courses that far exceed the standard IPC requirements. These courses are designed to elevate your skills and knowledge, ensuring you are fully prepared for any sailing adventure that lies ahead:
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