Yacht Licence in Montenegro: Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail

If you plan to skipper a yacht in Montenegro, you will generally need to show that you are qualified to operate the vessel. For a bareboat charter, this normally means holding a recognised yacht licence – a certificate of competence appropriate for the yacht and cruising area- while a suitable radio qualification may also be required. If you charter with a professional skipper or crew, you do not need to hold your own skipper qualification.

Several internationally recognised qualifications may be relevant, but they serve different purposes. An ICC is used as evidence of boating competence, while RYA Day Skipper and IYT International Bareboat Skipper are recreational skipper qualifications. RYA Yachtmaster, meanwhile, represents a more advanced level of competence for experienced sailors.

If you are planning to take the helm in Montenegro, the key is to understand which qualification applies to your situation, whether your existing certificate will be accepted and what additional documentation you may need before setting sail.

If you plan to take the helm yourself in Montenegro, the qualification you need will depend on the vessel, how it is being used, and the type of sailing you intend to do.

Montenegro’s Maritime Navigation Safety Law states that a person must be at least 16 and hold a boat operator’s licence to operate a boat for personal needs. Additional requirements apply to boats operated for commercial and public purposes, including appropriate skipper and radio-operator qualifications.

For international visitors, however, the most common situation is arriving in Montenegro with a qualification obtained elsewhere. In that case, the practical question is whether your certificate is recognised for the yacht you intend to operate.

If you are taking a bareboat charter

A bareboat charter means that you charter the yacht without a professional skipper and take responsibility for operating it yourself.

Charter companies will therefore normally ask the person named as skipper to provide recognised evidence of competence. Requirements can vary according to the yacht, flag state, charter company and cruising area, so it is advisable to send copies of your certificates to the operator before confirming the charter.

If you are planning a sailing holiday, our guide to yachting in Montenegro provides a broader introduction to cruising Boka Bay and the Montenegrin coast.

If you are sailing your own yacht

Owners operating their own yacht should also ensure that both their personal qualifications and vessel documentation satisfy the applicable requirements.

The exact documentation will depend on the yacht’s registration, size, use and other factors, particularly when arriving from another country.

If you charter with a professional skipper or crew

If you prefer not to take command yourself, you can choose a skippered or fully crewed charter. In this case, the professional skipper is responsible for operating the yacht, so guests do not need their own skipper qualification.

If you prefer not to skipper the yacht yourself, you can choose from different charter options, including skippered and fully crewed charters. Our guide to different charter types explains the main differences and can help you decide which option best suits your trip.

The term “international yacht licence” can refer to several different qualifications and certificates, depending on where you sail, the type of vessel and your level of experience.

Among those you are most likely to encounter when preparing to sail internationally are:

• the International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
• RYA Day Skipper
• IYT International Bareboat Skipper
• RYA Yachtmaster.

Each serves a slightly different purpose, so understanding how they differ can help you identify which qualification is most relevant to your plans.

International Certificate of Competence – ICC

The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, usually known as the ICC, is used as evidence that a recreational skipper has demonstrated an appropriate level of competence for the categories shown on the certificate.

It is particularly relevant to international recreational sailing because it provides a recognisable form of evidence when operating a vessel outside your home country.

The ICC should not be confused with a sailing course. Depending on eligibility, a sailor may obtain it by demonstrating the required competence or on the basis of certain existing qualifications.

For someone planning a bareboat charter in Montenegro, the important point is to check that the ICC held covers the relevant type of vessel and that it is accepted by the charter provider.

RYA Day Skipper

The RYA Day Skipper Practical Sailing qualification is designed for recreational sailors progressing from crew member to skipper.

It demonstrates practical skills required to take charge of a small cruising yacht on day trips in familiar waters, including:

• navigation
• seamanship
• passage-making
• boat handling.

For eligible sailors, an RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate can also provide a route towards obtaining an ICC.

It is therefore useful to distinguish the two: Day Skipper is a recreational skipper qualification, while the ICC is a separate certificate used as evidence of competence for international recreational boating.

IYT International Bareboat Skipper

The IYT International Bareboat Skipper qualification is aimed at recreational sailors who want to take command of a bareboat yacht.

It combines theoretical knowledge with practical training and assessment and is designed for skippers operating recreational vessels within defined limits.

Eligible holders of certain IYT qualifications may also be able to obtain an ICC, subject to the applicable requirements.

For someone specifically preparing to charter a yacht independently, the focus of the Bareboat Skipper qualification makes it particularly relevant to understand.

RYA Yachtmaster

Sailors searching for a “yacht master licence” are often referring to advanced qualifications such as the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence. An RYA Yachtmaster certificate represents a more advanced level of competence and is aimed at sailors with considerably greater knowledge and sea experience.

Yachtmaster Certificates of Competence are available at Coastal, Offshore and Ocean level. They can be relevant to experienced recreational sailors and may also form part of a professional yachting pathway when combined with the appropriate endorsements.

If your aim is simply to take a recreational bareboat charter in Montenegro, you should not assume that Yachtmaster is required. The appropriate qualification will depend on the yacht, your existing experience and the requirements of the charter operator.

The term “international yacht licence” can refer to several different qualifications and certificates, depending on where you sail, the type of vessel and your level of experience.

Among those you are most likely to encounter when preparing to sail internationally are:

• the International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
• RYA Day Skipper
• IYT International Bareboat Skipper
• RYA Yachtmaster.

Each serves a slightly different purpose, so understanding how they differ can help you identify which qualification is most relevant to your plans.

International Certificate of Competence – ICC

The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, usually known as the ICC, is used as evidence that a recreational skipper has demonstrated an appropriate level of competence for the categories shown on the certificate.

It is particularly relevant to international recreational sailing because it provides a recognisable form of evidence when operating a vessel outside your home country.

The ICC should not be confused with a sailing course. Depending on eligibility, a sailor may obtain it by demonstrating the required competence or on the basis of certain existing qualifications.

For someone planning a bareboat charter in Montenegro, the important point is to check that the ICC held covers the relevant type of vessel and that it is accepted by the charter provider.

RYA Day Skipper

The RYA Day Skipper Practical Sailing qualification is designed for recreational sailors progressing from crew member to skipper.

It demonstrates practical skills required to take charge of a small cruising yacht on day trips in familiar waters, including:

• navigation
• seamanship
• passage-making
• boat handling.

For eligible sailors, an RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate can also provide a route towards obtaining an ICC.

It is therefore useful to distinguish the two: Day Skipper is a recreational skipper qualification, while the ICC is a separate certificate used as evidence of competence for international recreational boating.

IYT International Bareboat Skipper

The IYT International Bareboat Skipper qualification is aimed at recreational sailors who want to take command of a bareboat yacht.

It combines theoretical knowledge with practical training and assessment and is designed for skippers operating recreational vessels within defined limits.

Eligible holders of certain IYT qualifications may also be able to obtain an ICC, subject to the applicable requirements.

For someone specifically preparing to charter a yacht independently, the focus of the Bareboat Skipper qualification makes it particularly relevant to understand.

RYA Yachtmaster

Sailors searching for a “yacht master licence” are often referring to advanced qualifications such as the RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence. An RYA Yachtmaster certificate represents a more advanced level of competence and is aimed at sailors with considerably greater knowledge and sea experience.

Yachtmaster Certificates of Competence are available at Coastal, Offshore and Ocean level. They can be relevant to experienced recreational sailors and may also form part of a professional yachting pathway when combined with the appropriate endorsements.

If your aim is simply to take a recreational bareboat charter in Montenegro, you should not assume that Yachtmaster is required. The appropriate qualification will depend on the yacht, your existing experience and the requirements of the charter operator.

There are two slightly different situations to consider: you may already hold a recognised qualification and simply need to confirm that it can be used in Montenegro, or you may want to develop your skills and obtain additional training while you are here.

If you already hold a skipper qualification

If you already hold a recognised yacht skipper licence or qualification, such as an ICC, RYA or IYT certificate, the first step is to check whether it is suitable for the yacht you intend to operate in Montenegro.

Before travelling:

1. Confirm the type of vessel covered by your certificate.
2. Send the certificate to your charter provider and ask them to confirm that it is acceptable.
3. Check whether you also need a VHF radio qualification.
4. Ask whether any additional evidence of sailing experience is required.
5. Bring the original certificates with you when collecting the yacht.

This is particularly important when chartering because holding a recognised qualification does not automatically mean that every certificate is suitable for every yacht.

Getting sailing and powerboat training in Montenegro

Montenegro also provides opportunities to develop your practical skills locally.

The Porto Montenegro Yacht Club offers RYA-certified powerboat training alongside a programme of sailing courses. Training is available at different levels, allowing both newcomers and more experienced sailors to spend time developing their confidence and competence on the waters of Boka Bay.

It is important, however, to check exactly what certificate a particular course awards. An introductory sailing or powerboat certificate does not automatically represent the same qualification as an ICC, RYA Day Skipper or International Bareboat Skipper certificate.

If your goal is specifically to qualify for a future bareboat charter, choose your course according to the qualification required by the destination and charter provider rather than simply looking for a course described as a “yacht licence”.

Choosing the right course

Before enrolling, consider:

• whether you intend to sail or operate a motor yacht
• the size and type of vessel you want to skipper
• how much previous experience you have
• whether you need a recreational or professional qualification
• whether practical training, theory or an examination is required
• whether you also need a marine radio certificate.

This helps ensure that the course you choose leads towards the qualification you actually need.

Depending on how the yacht is operated, your skipper qualification may not be the only certificate you need in Montenegro. A separate VHF radio-operator qualification may also be required.

The two qualifications serve different purposes.

A yacht or skipper qualification demonstrates your competence to operate the vessel. A radio-operator certificate demonstrates that you understand how to use marine radio equipment and the procedures involved in routine, safety, urgency and distress communication.

Montenegro’s Maritime Navigation Safety Law specifically provides for an appropriate VHF DSC or restricted GMDSS radio-operator certificate for boats operated for commercial and public purposes.

Bareboat charter companies may also require the skipper or another member of the crew to hold an appropriate radio certificate.

Before travelling, it is therefore worth checking your VHF qualification at the same time as your sailing certificate rather than treating the two as separate last-minute requirements

Holding the right qualification is only one part of preparing for a yacht trip.

If you are taking command of the yacht yourself, check the required paperwork before travelling and keep the necessary documentation available on board.

Depending on the yacht and your charter arrangement, this may include:

• your skipper or boat operator qualification
• an ICC or other recognised evidence of competence, where applicable
• your VHF or radio-operator certificate, where required
• identification and travel documents
• yacht registration and navigation documents
• insurance documentation
• charter paperwork
• relevant crew information.

If you are chartering, the simplest approach is to send your skipper and radio certificates to the charter company before your trip and ask them to confirm that everything is in order.

Once the paperwork has been taken care of, it is also worth becoming familiar with the practical side of arriving at a marina. Our guide to yacht docking explains the fundamentals of bringing a yacht safely alongside, while our overview of yacht mooring types explores the different arrangements you may encounter when securing a vessel.

There is no single price for getting a yacht licence because the cost depends on the qualification you need and the training required to achieve it.

If you already hold a recognised certificate that is accepted for your yacht in Montenegro, you may not need to complete additional skipper training at all.

If you are starting or continuing your training in Montenegro, costs can vary according to:

• the course and certification scheme;
• whether the course covers sailing or powerboats;
• the number of days of practical tuition;
• your existing level of experience;
• theory requirements;
• examination or assessment fees;
• whether you also need VHF certification;
• whether you are working towards a recreational or professional qualification.

An introductory powerboat course, for example, involves a very different level of training from a Day Skipper programme, while preparing for an advanced Yachtmaster examination is different again.

For that reason, identify the qualification you need first and then compare the current prices of suitable courses.

You do not need to hold a skipper qualification yourself to experience Montenegro from the water.

If you want to learn to take the helm, you can complete appropriate training and gradually build the practical experience needed to progress towards a recognised qualification. Porto Montenegro Yacht Club provides opportunities to develop both sailing and powerboat skills within Boka Bay.

Alternatively, choose a skippered or fully crewed yacht charter. A professional skipper will take responsibility for navigation and operation of the vessel, allowing you to enjoy the route without having to meet the qualification requirements associated with commanding the yacht yourself.

For people who are new to the area, sailing with an experienced skipper can also provide an introduction to local waters, anchorages, marina procedures and cruising routes.