International Proficiency Certificate

For Bareboat Chartering in the European Union

international-proficiency-certificate

If you desire to charter a sailboat in the Mediterranean, we recommend obtaining a US Sailing International Proficiency Certificate© to simplify the charter process and operate a vessel in compliance with EU law.

In order to make it easier for cruising sailors from the U.S. to charter sailboats in the European Union (EU), US Sailing has created a simple certification program for cruising sailors seeking to charter sailboats in European Union waters. The International Proficiency Certificate©, an extension of US Sailing's current Keelboat Certification System, allows sailors who have completed a US Sailing Bareboat Cruising course to charter sailboats without a captain in EU waters.

The International Proficiency Certificate© works much like a driver's license for a car. The certificate 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 good for five years from the date of issue.

Cost: $3,540 Sailing $5900 PowerYacht

For Sailing: Add the following sailing courses to your cart:
Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising (60 hours)

For MotorYachts: Add the following motorboat courses to your cart:
Basic Cruising and  Inshore Cruising (40 hours)

Location: Charleston, SC

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In order to obtain an International Proficiency Certificate© (IPC), applicants must:

 

    • Have a current membership with US Sailing
    • For Sailing - Be US Sailing certified through Basic Keelboat , Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising
    • For MotorYachts - Be US Powerboating certified through Basic Cruising and Inshore Cruising
    • Apply via the downloadable form or the online form (see checkout link below) 1

 

IPC Downloadable Form
IPC Online Form

For more information or to book a class, contact Captain Christian Collins at 843-259-2250.

Private classes available, and require two people for MotorYachts and three for Sailing. 

Our classes can be arranged on your yacht, nationwide, or at our locations.

Most insurance companies offer owners discounts for these certifications.

Outside the US, they are recognized higher than a captain's license for charter rental.

Quick tip: You can become a captain without ever driving a boat. This is a Proficiency Class, designed to ensure you are fully prepared to operate a boat, and it requires you to demonstrate your skills. 

The following countries require a certificate:

Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom

The following countries may require a certificate for use within their territory. Check with your charter company.

Moldova
Russian Federation
Serbia
Sweden
Ukraine

List of countries as of 1/3/2018

**A sailor with previous experience and competency can challenge the required prerequisite levels by completing the written and practical examinations required for each certification.

1If you are submitting your form digitally please be sure to CHECK OUT ONLINE HERE to complete the certification process.