issa yacht skipper

International skipper's licences: which one is the best?

• Comparison: international skipper's licences. Which one is the best?

International  skipper's licences  attract prestige and the prospect of a hassle-free charter. But which will you get the most out of? What are their downsides? And are they worth it? We will be comparing the 4 most recognized ones — RYA, ISSA, IYT and ASA, as well as taking a look at ICC and IPC certificates.  

  The good news and the bad news. The bad news is that there is no international certification recognized everywhere. The word international may give the impression that it applies to all countries, but in practice it only means more than one. The good news is that in many holiday destinations, charter companies will somehow rent you the boat on both international and national papers. Sometimes, though, it isn’t easy.   

That's why it's important to check the validity of a country's certificate beforehand. When travelling on your own, you’ll have no choice but to Google it. But if you rent a boat through yachting.com, it will be completely hassle-free. We can help you with the certificate, or arrange it for you with the charter company.  

Is an international certification worth it? 

Now you're probably wondering what the advantage of international certification is. First of all, the quality and depth of the training. The programs are demanding (we won't lie), but when you complete them, it means you’ll actually know something. The courses also open doors to further your sailing education and to the global community. All four associations offer skipper's licences from inshore to ocean sailing. Today, we'll compare the basic ones that are the perfect starting point for new skippers.

Royal Yachting Association (RYA) 

The criteria of the British Royal Yachting Association ( RYA ) are so stringent that they hold the reputation of being the most prestigious certification. Even the most basic RYA Day Skipper qualifies a captain for recreational and commercial sailing. It is fair to add here, however, that the conditions of employment as a skipper are governed by the laws of each individual country. The course is only available from certified partners, such as yachting.com . Strict requirements from the RYA and a sophisticated system of online study materials ensure the same quality of teaching globally. 

RYA Day Skipper 

As a captain you will gain a basic understanding of navigation, meteorology and the rules of the sea. You can then skipper a sailing vessel up to 15 m in coastal waters up to 20 miles on a day passage . The higher level RYA Coastal Skipper certification is required for night sailing.  

Recommended experience: At least 5 days and 4 night hours on a boat and 100 nm underway, which is roughly equivalent to the RYA Competent Crew beginners course.   

Validity: Unlimited  

Minimum age: 16 years   

Where to go: UK, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, the Czech Republic and other locations     

Course time: 6-day practical course + 4 days of theoretical instruction .

YACHTING.COM TIP: An interesting option for those who don’t wish to be a captain is the RYA Competent Crew course, which trains complete beginners and develops them into full-fledged crew members. It is common practice for them to mix with future Day Skippers on practical courses which benefits everyone. Skippers get to try captaining straight away and the crew get to experience different captains with different outlooks.     

International Sailing School Association (ISSA)   

The   ISSA is an association that brings together sailing schools all over the planet. Thanks to this, and the fact that, along with the RYA, it is one of the oldest maritime certifications, it has managed to negotiate acceptance of its certificates almost everywhere you can think of. Its teaching system is not as sophisticated as the RYA's, but its quality and depth is on a similar standing. As well as English, tuition is available in the language of the sailing school's home country.   

Inshore Skipper  

As a skipper you can operate a  boat up to 24 m in coastal waters up to 20 miles, both day and night. The course includes instruction and a radio exam (VHF/SRC), which is always a plus.  

Recommended experience: Experience at least at ISSA Yacht Crew level, i.e. 3 days at sea 

Where to go: UK, Ibiza, Cyprus, Montenegro, Poland, Russia and other locations       

Course time: Approximately 10–14 days depending on the school. Practice and theory can be taught separately or on a practical course  

International Yacht Training (IYT)  

The US-Canadian IYT was created as an alternative to the RYA and offers similar courses and credentials. However, it distinguishes between certificates for recreational sailing and for pro skippers and crew ( recreational and superyacht ). Teaching standards are high and courses meet ISO standards. However, again, it should be added that they may not be in accordance with the laws of the country you are sailing through.  

International Bareboat Skipper 

The certificate is comparable to the RYA Day Skipper and allows you to sail a sailboat up to 24 m up to 20 miles offshore , but again only in the daytime . To obtain the certificate you need a radio course (VHF/SRC). 

Recommended experience: Knowledge to at least IYT International Crew Certificate level and a full 10 days and 200 nm.  

Validity: 5 years, then renewal required. 

Where to go: UK, France, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Croatia and other locations       

Course time: 10-day practical course (6 days with Crew Certificate) + self-study of theory online (access to material for 2 months includes radio).   

American Sailing Association (ASA) 

The  US Coast Guard also vouches for the quality of ASA instructors and instruction. However, the length of the practical courses is almost half that of the others and the ASA lags behind in the number of online theory courses. ASA is most suitable for sailing in North America. For Europe you’ll need to upgrade to the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) . This is where ASA comes back into play. In fact, it is commonly accepted in popular European sailing destinations.  

Bareboat Cruising 

As a skipper, you can captain a  boat up to 15 m in coastal waters up to 20 miles in good weather. The course teaches night sailing and the use of the radio (VHF).   

Recommended experience: Knowledge of at least ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing and ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising and at least 6 days at sea.  

Where to go: Greece, Croatia, Canary Islands and other locations       

Course time: Approximately 6 days depending on the school. Practice and theory can be taught separately or on a practical course.  

How much do international licences cost 

There is no easy answer to this question. The fact that the courses are held all over the world means that location is reflected in the price. The associations themselves do not publish prices and the schools certified by them only sometimes include in the price the additional costs of issuing the certificate, the presence of a foreign examiner or the fees associated with hiring a teaching boat, etc. Expect a price of approximately €1,500 to €2,500. However, even an approximate price is not a reliable means of comparison, if only because certificates have different levels, value and applicability in practice. Rather, it makes sense to decide on a specific certification according to your own expectations, then choose a location and only compare the prices of providers within that location.  

Domestic vs. international certificates   

National skipper's certificates are issued by local authorities, it is an official document just like a driver's licence, so there are no issues for charter boats. However, international certificates from the RYA, ISSA, IYT and ASA are not official documents . Rather, they are confirmation of your sailing competence. The advantage is that you don't have to wait a month for them to be issued: just complete the course and pass the exam. You'll get your certificate practically straight away and you'll be ready to set sail within a few days. However, charter companies, insurance companies and marinas may refuse them because of local legislation that simply can't deal with the certificates (however well-known and prestigious).  

According to maritime custom, the law of territorial waters , i.e. the laws of the country in which you are sailing, takes precedence. For us sailors, this is nothing new. In Croatia , for example, you can't rent a boat without a radiotelephonist's licence. The captain or one of the crew must have it. In Italy , the law requires the skipper to have a licence issued by the country of their citizenship. In the Mediterranean, Greek charters are the strictest. These can sometimes require two captain's licences on board and they have the most trouble with international certificates. On the other hand, they do tend to be most willing to make exceptions based on the skipper's logbook and experience. 

YACHTING.COM TIP: The fact that they are designed as practical and theoretical preparation for an accredited exam makes their offer clear.

International Certificate of Competence (ICC) 

The ICC certificate was an attempt by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe to establish a single certificate and uniform maritime rules for all. It is a separate course with practical and theoretical parts. It ends with an examination and is valid for 5 years , after which you must renew it. You can get it from the associations mentioned above except for the ASA, which has its own version of the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) . However, even here you can't avoid a bit of detective work. For example, the RYA cannot grant the ICC to citizens of some countries.

Comparison of certificates by location obtained

What to take away from the article 

• Unfortunately, there is no international certification that is accepted everywhere.   
• International certificates from the RYA , ISSA, IYT, ASA or ICC are not official documents issued by government bodies. They are certificates of completion of practical and theoretical instruction from a yachting association.  
• Whether a charter company will accept the certificates depends on its goodwill and local laws.   
• You do not need to have previous levels of association certificates to take the courses, just comparable knowledge and experience.  

Choosing the right certification may not be such a big deal after all. The key is to be clear about where you want to sail and how serious you are about sailing. 

How and when can you become a captain? Read more:

Not planning to take the captain's course? We can arrange an experienced captain for your vacation on a boat. Ask us.

Denisa Kliner Nguyenová

Faq what to know about international skipper licences.

Yachting association education systems are of the highest possible standard. When you take a course, you really acquire the know-how. You also don't have to wait a month to get your licence and you’ll receive it practically as soon as you finish the course.

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ISSA Inshore Skipper 2

Inshore Skipper 2 Course

The Inshore skipper is a two part course. This course is for people who have completed the foundation course ( Inshore Skipper 1 ) and wish to complete the full Inshore Skipper 2 course. training. If you are not sure that you have the right knowledge or course pre-requisites, check out our; Inshore Skipper Self Assessment Test .

Pre-Course Experience:

At least 200 miles of logged sailing experience. This means that even if you are an accomplished sailor, if you have not previously studied the theory, you need to complete the ISSA Inshore Skipper 1 course before enrolling for ISSA Inshore Skipper 2. There is a significant theoretical component that is learnt in our air conditioned classrooms. Our experienced and highly qualified instructors will guide you through the course, ensuring you have a rewarding and enjoyable experience as you progress.

Theory of Navigation and Seamanship

• Management of a vessel- Responsibilities of the Skipper - crew management; planning; safety briefing. The Skippers Operational Checklist
• Tides and Currents- causes and effects of tide; tide tables, diamonds, tidal streams atlas; rule of twelfths
• Chartwork- fixing position; dead reckoning, estimated position; course to steer, record keeping.
• Safety Briefing- location and use of safety equipment (flares, lifejackets, liferaft, sea-cocks); fire safety; gas safety; preparing to sail
• Rules of the Road- review of rules; lights, shapes and sound signals; applying collision regulations
• Meteorology- interpreting a forecast; characteristics of fronts and pressure systems; sea and land breezes; katabatic wind; fog
• Passage Planning and Pilotage- planning a passage; use of nautical publications; pilotage skills (pilotage plans, clearing bearings, back bearings, etc)

Practical Skippering

• Rope Work - 6 common sailing knots; safe use of winches, jammers and cleats
• Sail Handling- good working knowledge of sail hoisting, reefing, dropping; trimming on all points of sail
• MOB- Man Overboard recovery; picking up a mooring; coming alongside a jetty or pier (routine sailing tacking, gybing, hove to)
• Marina Manouvres -berthing and unberthing in different wind/tide conditions; use of spring lines
• Boat Handling- close quarters; using prop-walk and prop-wash, Anchoring
• Heavy Weather Sailing- understands how to deal with heavy weather, including reefing and seeking refuge
• Anchoring Considerations- selecting a suitable anchorage; dropping and weighing anchor; knowledge of different types of anchor
• Dinghy Tender Operation-can drive a dinghy safely; safe loading, launch and recovery
• Passage Making- carrying out a passage plan; crew management; navigation underway; practical pilotage;
• use of electronic instruments, vhf radio
• Engines-Checks and knowledge of simple servicing and operation

The ISSA Inshore Skipper 2 qualifies you to skipper a yacht and charter yachts, world wide. Students spend the first 2 days of the course learning theory of navigation and a host of other subjects in our air conditioned classroom. We then spend the next 3 days engaged in practical execises on the boat, gaining all the boat handling and practical navigation skills required to be a full ISSA Inshore Skipper. Finally it's back to the classroom at the end of the course to sit your theory assessment.

What can I do with this qualification? The ISSA Inshore Skipper certificate enables you to skipper boats up to 78ft, no more than 20 miles from shore, in fair conditions and daylight hours. In real terms, this allows you to charter boats in some of the world's best cruising locations, including south-east Asia, many Mediterranean countries, and the Caribbean.

What's your next step? GO SAILING! Join The Phuket Water Sports Club which is free once you have completed a course with SIA! Find someone who is also keen to get more experience and who would be fun to sail with. When you have at least 400 more miles logged come back and complete your Offshore Skipper Certificate with us. If you would like advice on your next steps, feel free to get in touch with us - we'd be happy to help.

Go Racing or sign up for a learn to race course? If you really want to improve your sailing, think about taking a learn to race course. You will learn so much about sailing, sail trim and have a lot of fun too. A racing sailor can usually be spotted on a boat in two minutes. They understand the sail setting art and they can often spot wind changes and squalls well before a cruising sailor. Check out our Learn to Race Course !

Additional Details:

• Course Details
• Chart Work / Navigation
• Rules of the Road - Good Knowledge
• Symbols and Abbreviations
• Compasses - Fixes / Steering / Bearings
• Dead Reckoning
• Lights And Shapes
• Electronics
• Passage making
• Estimated Position
• Crew and Yacht management

Previous experience : IYT Watch Keeper / Flotilla Skipper Duration: 5 days Qualifications: IYT Bareboat Skipper What's included : Safety equipment, Instruction, Yacht, Bottled Water, Fuel and Insurance What's Optional :  iPad, Sailing Gloves, SiA T shirts, SiA Caps and Log Books What's required : Sun protection. Sun hat. Shorts that cover the knees when sitting are best. Footwear for on-board tennis shoes / trainers / Crocs. Some people like to use gloves. Lightweight wet weather clothing.

We can help you with the following on request:

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• Motor Bike or Car Rental
• What to do and where to go in Phuket

Course Dates:

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ISSA Yacht Training Handbooks

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Our highly detailed and beautifully illustrated ISSA yacht training handbooks, certificates and posters are available as high quality download PDFs – (hopefully available on main ISSA website in a range of languages). There are 15 ISSA course handbooks available for purchase. Check them out and if you want a pdf downloadable copy make your order at our shop . Pay and download in a very short time. If you wish to order a hard copy for your course le t us know and we will organise this for you too.

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Certificates

ISSA Yacht Crew Student Textbook

The ISSA Yacht Crew course takes 4/5 days to complete.  Its a 90% practical course aimed at beginners to sailing. The Yacht Crew course is designed to be a fun course which stimulates people to learn how to sail on a variety of vessels. The course ensures that you can sail on all points, by course end and be an active competent crew on a yacht.  The syllabus is outlined on our main yacht training website.  Check out the handbook syllabus for Yacht Crew.  Assessment is by constant assessment, a practical and hopefully not too demanding process.

Our aim is to ensure we train you to sail and to be compliant and aware of the IRPCS, able to interpret Weather forecast Apps, Trim sails on all points of sail and a host of other skills. The good yacht crew is someone who can listen and be an active engaged member of the crew. Teamwork and communication go hand in hand. By course end you will be familiar with your skippers communications to crew. “Stand by to gybe, bare away, head up, luff up, ready to tack, heave to” etc.  Our aim is also to get you really engaged with the sport of sailing and want to do more.

The Yacht Crew Handbook is carefully illustrated so a beginner to sailing can easily appreciate the various chapters that cover the syllabus. Safety being our priority is covered in terms of personal safety, crew safety and boat safety. The sailing skills are again carefully illustrated as are all the other chapters. This is a Millenial Style” book rather than a ‘Sixties style’ textbook that some other systems used.  We want you to access the knowledge easily and not be falling asleep at page 7. The illustrator conveys whats important in each chapter and this is reinforced by succinct notes and explanations.

topics covered include the following:

• Parts of a boat
• Handling a boat under sail
• Berthing Basics
• Handling a yacht under Power
• IALA Buoyage
• Collision Regulations
• Meteorology
• Environmentally Responsible Sailing
• Knots and Sails

ISSA RIB Skipper 1 Student Textbook

The ISSA RIB skipper courses are designed for small and large RIBs. The aim of our courses is primarily education and safety. To obtain a RIB Skipper certification one also needs to have a VHF Radio operators certification and ideally a CENI Test should be taken and passed. Sea users should enroll in the Boat Master Course as a progression from RIB Master as it teaches navigation and a range of other marine topics not covered in the one or two day RIB courses.  Talk to SIA if you want further advice or information.

ISSA RIB Skipper 2 Student Textbook

The RIB Skipper 2 course includes learning to maneuver two or three different sizes of RIB. There is also some theory, Rules of the Road, Safety, Tides, Basic Chart Work and VHF radio usage. You’ll lean to handle the boat at slow speed and at higher speeds a well as how to anchor and pick up a mooring. MOB is a vital aspect of this course.

The course is usually 3 days as you also need to complete the VHF  radio course .  You also need to have a VHF radio certificate which is  mandatory for RIB Skipper Certification to be authorized.  This is a course that is ideal for Super Yacht Crew. CEVNI Tests are also advisable.

ISSA Boat Master Course Student Textbook

The ISSA Boat Master Course is for candidates that have crewed on a small boat but have a very elementary understanding of boats. The course covers safety, operational checklists, seamanship topics, IRPCS and launching and recovering small power or sailing yachts.

ISSA Inshore Skipper Textbook

The ISSA Inshore Skipper textbook is designed for up-skilling a person who has completed an ISSA Yacht Crew course and wants to become an inshore skipper.  Trainee skippers   must have a good understanding of sailing/boat handling, nautical terminology and safety at sea. This handbook goes a long way to providing you with most of the knowledge required to become a proficient skipper.

This is one of ISSA’s most popular courses as it trains you to become a competent skipper.   The course covers a huge range of marine topics both practically and theoretically.  The result is you become a  safe and knowledgeable skipper able to participate in yachting activities and even renting yachts for summer holidays.

The aim of the ISSA Inshore Skipper Textbook is to increase the candidates’ nautical knowledge to competently take on the duties of an Inshore Skipper on board a yacht – in daylight hours in sight of land It is recommended that course duration is 10 days including VHF Radio Training.  Yacht Training in Asia is a truly wonderful activity if you are well prepared and trained, our courses seek to make your training a perfect holiday too.

ISSA Offshore Skipper Student Textbook

Check out our useful handbook and decide if this is worth purchasing?  We believe that it is a really useful aid to learning that will be of value to aspiring Offshore Skippers.  The ISSA Offshore Skipper Handbook covers the following topics in some detail:

• Handling Yacht Under Sail and Power
• Secondary Ports
• Position Fixing
• Passage Planning
• Electronics

ISSA Motor Yacht Inshore Skipper Student Textbook

The ISSA Inshore Skipper Motor Yacht textbook is designed for up-skilling a person who has completed an ISSA Yacht Crew course and wants to become an inshore skipper.  Trainee skippers   must have a good understanding of motor/boat handling, nautical terminology and safety at sea. This handbook goes a long way to providing you with most of the knowledge required to become a proficient motor yacht skipper.

This is one of ISSA’s most popular motor yacht courses as it trains you to become a competent skipper.   The course covers a huge range of marine topics both practically and theoretically.  The result is you become a  safe and knowledgeable motor yacht skipper, able to participate in yachting activities and even renting yachts for summer holidays.

The aim of the ISSA Inshore Skipper Textbook is to increase the candidates’ nautical knowledge to competently take on the duties of an Inshore Skipper on board a motor yacht – in daylight hours in sight of land It is recommended that course duration is 10 days including VHF Radio Training.  Yacht Training in Asia is a truly wonderful activity if you are well prepared and trained.  Our courses seek to make your motor yacht training, a perfect holiday too.

ISSA Master of Yachts Student Textbook

The ISSA Master of Yachts is a course aimed at candidates who have completed the ISSA Offshore Skipper Course and have gained years of sailing experience(2800NM). The aim of the course is to increase the candidates’ nautical knowledge to competently take on the duties of a YMO on board a yacht – in daylight hours, at night, in busy sea lanes, or over 150NM offshore.

The ISSA Master of Yachts Student Handbook has been put together to ensure prospective students have access to a text with good illustrations, that concisely and accurately represents the knowledge and skills required to participate in this very high level qualification. This comprehensive, high level, shore based and sea based course, includes assessment papers and written examinations.

Candidates are advised that a considerable amount of private study and varied cruising experience is required in addition to the formal instruction provided. We strongly advise you to sign up at least 3 months in advance so we can send you our course notes handbook, for revision purposes. (In two weeks it is impossible to cover everything that a MOY should know, understand and be capable of practising). The handbook we provide condenses much of the knowledge required for a YMO aspirant student. MOY’s have a good understanding of sailing / boat handling, nautical terminology and safety at sea. This is a course for recreational and aspiring commercial skippers.  Check out the syllabus and some of the downloads for YMO on this link.

ISSA VHF Student Textbook

On this important Safety Course we teach students to use a vhf radio to transmit a Mayday, make Urgency Calls, act as a Mayday Relay and learn and understand radio protocol and the use of the radio procedure. We teach you about Search and Rescue protocol and your obligations and imperatives when responding to distress or urgency calls. We teach you to use a radio for everyday communication and for those situations where lives depend on your relay skills.

Students wishing to become  RIB Skippers, ISSA Instructors, Inshore/Offshore Skippers or Yacht Masters, must have completed a VHF Radio course* and students wishing to participate in MOY 200 tons courses must also have this qualification.

ISSA Motor Yacht Offshore Skipper Student Textbook

Check out the Content of our popular ISSA Offshore Skipper Motor Yacht Course which contain  a wide range of subjects. Content includes

• Modern Electronics
• Berthing / Anchoring
• Engines and Electrics

ISSA Keelboat Crew Student Textbook

The Keelboat Crew Handbook is the starter course for absolute beginners and the content is aimed at novice sailors. Safety is our primary concern and is carefully covered in this handbook. The syllabus covers the following topics in carefully illustrated and concisely written notes making the series of three books very useful for the modern keelboat sailor. The handbook covers the following subjects for aspiring Keelboat Crew;

• Boat handling under sail and power
• Berthing basics
• Tides and currents
• Simple weather
• IALA buoyage
• Outboard engines
• Folding sails
• Basic knots
• Environmental considerations

The course is 90% practical and is assessed on water. This is a fun course and the handbook is designed with this in mind.

ISSA Keelboat Navigator Student Textbook

The ISSA Keelboat Navigator Handbook supports the Keelboat Navigator Course.  Its a two day course for Keelboat Sailors that have spent at least 6 months sailing these vessels. The course covers the following topics;

• Iala Buoyage
• Environment
• Simple Electronics and Chart Plotters

ISSA Keelboat Skipper Student Textbook

The Keelboat Crew Course has been designed for people who want to sail a boat thats not a sailing dinghy and wet, nor is it a yacht and pretty ponderous and expensive. Keelboats are lively, agile, fun to sail and ideal in light winds because they are so light.  The two day ISSA Keelboat Crew Course was designed by Sail in Asia so that we could teach people in a two day program what usually takes 3 or 4 days on a yacht.

Our expertise in yacht training stretches back nearly 35 years and in that time we have learned a few things. Our Keelboat Crew course handbook is widely acclaimed and is the basis for teaching this course. Have a look at our Keelboat Crew Content page and you will see how comprehensive it is but also how easy it is to access every subject.

ISSA CEVNI – Eu Code for Inland Waterways

This fifth edition of CEVNI brings together the best practices from the existing traffic regulations of the river commissions and UNECE member States. The new edition updates existing regulations including: the rules of the road, the berthing rules, provisions for small craft, Inland Automatic Identification System (AIS), prevention of pollution of water, as well as introducing a new Annex on a Safety checklist for bunkering fuel.

Our handbook clearly illustrates the rules for inland waterways and the necessity for recreational sailors to have a working knowledge of the rules and have passed the CEVNI Test that is required to use the waterways in Europe.

ISSA Beaufort Scale Poster

ISSA Morse Alphabet Poster

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ISSA Navigation Lights Explained Poster

ISSA Phonetic Alphabet Poster

ISSA VHF Cancelling Distress Alert Poster

ISSA VHF Distress Procedure Poster

ISSA Short Range Certificate Marine Radio

ISSA Inshore Skipper + VHF Course

ISSA Skipper Certificate (ICC) + VHF/SRC License

Up to 5 students

From 18 years

Lefkas, Greece

Enrol in our Inshore Skipper Course, complete successfully the theory & practice and get the ISSA Inshore Skipper & VHF/SCR Certificate that allows you to charter a yacht or skipper your own yacht independently.

Course Outline

• Yacht’s Construction Basic Parts
• Elementary Yacht Equipment
• Operations of Elementary Yacht’s Systems
• Position Fixing
• Passage Planning
• Meteorology
• Handling Yacht Under Sails
• Handling Yacht Under Power
• Dinghy Handling
• Electronics
• First Aid at Sea
• Safety Under & On Deck
• Environmentally Responsible Sailing

Except of the Inshore Skipper Course, we are providing the ISSA VHF/ SRC Course, designed for both avid sailors and those chartering boats, this comprehensive training ensures mastery of VHF radio operation.

Gain your lifetime license, a crucial credential for boat charters globally, guaranteeing safety and communication on the water. Prepare for memorable voyages knowing you’re a certified VHF radio operator, ready for any adventure.

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Certificates

ISSA licenses are recognized by most leading charter and insurance companies, giving you the access to charter yachts around the world.

With ISSA Inshore Skipper license you can operate a boat up to 24 m in coastal waters up to 20 nautical miles, both during the day and night.

ISSA skipper license has no expiry date!

• Training by suitably qualified and experienced sail training ISSA instructors for the level of course
• Provision of training materials during shore-based training
• Yacht and equipment suitable for the level of course (Yacht type / model is not guaranteed) and a sleeping space in a cabin or salon
• Use of reference materials and navigational equipment during the course. Note these must be returned at the end of the course or will be invoiced to you
• Meals (the team usually shares the cost of food purchased for the boat)
• Fuel, gas, water for the yacht
• Electricity and parking in marinas during the trip (except home marina)
• Transportation to and from our base / Airport transfers / Travel insurance
• Also in case of household damage on the boat, such as broken furniture or clogged toilets, the perpetrators pay for repairs
• Anything that is not mentioned clearly as included

Why Choose Us​

For your skipper courses.

Not sure where to start to learn to sail? Our sailing school and instructors are certified by ISSA Sailing School Association and provide Crew, Skipper & VHF Certificates that are valid for life.

Certified & Experienced Instructors

Our instructors are dedicated to help you gain and improve your skills in sailing, docking, manoeuvring and more, from theory to practice.

ISSA Certificates Valid for Life

ISSA Certificates are globally recognized and valid for life. Charter a yacht or skipper your own boat. Inshore Skipper (ICC), VHF Radio, Offshore Skipper.

Ongoing Support to achieve your Goals

Whether you are a newcomer or an experienced sailing enthusiast, we are here to support and guide you, to achieve your goals.

Ideal Sailing Training Destination

Our base in Lefkada, Greece is an ideal destination, carefully chosen to provide you with an unforgettable, safe and seamless sailing training experience!

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Standards: Inland Power Skipper Instructor Course

I. Basic Requirements

• Every instructor candidate should:
• Pass the Inland Power Yacht Skipper Exam before approaching the course or hold an equivalent certificate
• Have at least 1 year experience after passing the above mentioned exam
• Hold First Aid or Rescue certificate
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have at least high school education
• Should submit valid fitness declaration stating that he/she is fit for the activity
• PLEASE NOTICE that copies of all of the above mentioned documents should be presented upon submitting the application for the course

WARNING. CANDIDATES WITH NO SUFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BECOME ISSA INSTRUCTORS

II. Training Venue Requirements

• The course should take place primarily on a power driven yacht able to plane
• The yacht should be at least 15 ft. long
• The theory classes can take place in a classroom that meets ISSA standards or on the yacht if there is sufficient below deck area able to comfortably fit all the instructor candidates and the trainer
• The yacht should have all the equipment necessary to run a complete practical ISSA training course for Inland Power Yacht Skipper
• The yacht should comply with the requirements set for training vessels in the location of the course

III. Efficiency Requirements

There should be 1 trainer for a maximum of 5 candidates

IV. Training Conditions Requirements

• The practical part should take place in weather conditions between and including 2B – 5B
• There should be at least 15 hours of practical exercises
• There should be at least 20 hours of classes to practice the theory presentation skills of the candidates

V. Safety Requirements

Throughout the practical part of the course, the instructor candidates should wear lifejackets as directed by the trainer

VI. Additional Requirements

The instructors should be using:

• Whiteboard and display screen with adequate screening equipment
• ISSA instructor “Train The Trainer” handbook
• ISSA Inland Power Yacht Skipper program, handbook and presentations

Home / School, courses also ONLINE / Russia / International Bareboat Skipper (IYT) Course

International Bareboat Skipper (IYT) Course

Activity level, event language.

About event

Start : Moscow, Russia

Finish : Moscow, Russia

Having received the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate, you can independently charter a yacht and operate it in the waters of any country.

The recommended entry-level requirements for the International Bareboat Skipper course are to have logged over 200 nautical miles and 10 days at sea before advancing to this level. The candidate should be 16 years of age or over. 

Certificate Limitations:

• Command of a vessel up to a maximum length of 78 ft /24 meters
• In coastal waters up to 20 miles offshore
• In daylight hours and in fair conditions with moderate wind and sea conditions

Course Outline:

• Responsibilities of a bareboat skipper
• Crew safety checks
• Hull and rig checks
• Machinery and systems checks
• Fuel and water capacity and range
• Menus and quantities
• Sources of meteorological information
• Weather patterns
• Sea and land breezes
• Cloud types and formations
• Pilotage and passage planning
• Considerations when planning a passage
• Routine for navigating a coastal passage
• Passage strategy
• Port regulations, customs, immigration
• Pilotage plans
• Vessel handling in confined quarters
• Mooring, anchoring, coming alongside
• Ropes, knots, care and use of lines
• General deck work
• Tides and currents theory
• Tidal heights, springs and neaps
• Rule of “twelfths”
• Position fixing, running fixes
• Plotting the effect of tides and currents
• Collision regulations
• Lights, shapes and sounds
• Application of the regulations
• Advanced dingy handling

Price on request. From 1000 euro

The schools are in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Sochi and other cities

Events schedule

The course starts when there is a team of 4-6 people

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Individual course ISSA Inshore Skipper

The certificated confirms the skills sufficient to sail the yacht 24 m in light and dark hours at a distance from a sheltered port up to 20 sea miles.

There are places in 1 team

ISSA Inshore Skipper weekend course

IYT International Bareboat Skipper

Having received the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate, you can independently charter a yacht on a charter and operate it in the waters of any country.

There are places in 2 teams

• Yacht handling under Power
• Dead Reckoning Navigation
• Fixing lines
• Magnetic compass
• Tidal currents
• Buoys and Beacons
• Echo sounders
• Satellite systems
• Logs (measurement of speed and distance)
• Meteorology
• Collision Regulations
• Safety at sea
• International Signalling Code
• Navigating in restricted visibility

ISSA Instructor

An active athlete and medalist of the 2017 ORC European Championship, this individual is a multiple-time podium finisher and champion in international regattas. Serving as the President of the largest yacht club in Cyprus, the Cyprus International Sailing Club, they played a pivotal role as the organizer of the 2023 European Championship held in Limassol.

Russian, English

Fluent in multiple languages:

Russian, English, Spanish and Turkish.

Dmitry Sokolov

Professional commercial captain with experience in multiple transatlantic crossings on sailing yachts. Spends a minimum of 160 days at the helm each year. Enthusiastic about fishing, particularly for tuna. Enjoys leisure sailing as a hobby and occasionally indulges in competitive pursuits.