Boat licence

Home Boat licence - What do I need and how to get it

Boat licence - what are the options and how to get one

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sail the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea or go boating on the lakes of Romania?

If so, then you will definitely need a boat licence. But choosing the right type of licence can be more complex than at first glance. There are two main options: the ICC licence, which is recognised in most European countries, and the RYA certifications, a British international standard highly valued by professional boaters.

We'll look at the differences between the two, how they're made, what they cost and, most importantly, which is the ideal choice for you depending on your needs and sailing plans.

Boat licence in Romania vs RYA international licence

What is ICC (International Certificate of Competence)?

The ICC licence is the international certificate of competence for recreational craft. It is issued by the national maritime authorities (in Romania, the Romanian Naval Authority - ANR) and is recognised in most European countries that are signatories to the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Resolution 40 Convention. In practice, this licence allows you to drive a motor or sailing boat in international and national waters in many European countries.

It's ideal for those who want to sail Europe's inland or maritime waters for recreational purposes, and is sufficient for most yacht charters from Croatia, Greece, Italy or Spain.

What is the RYA licence and where is it recognised?

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) is the UK's national watersports organisation and the most respected international standard in yachting training. RYA certifications are recognised globally, not just in Europe, and are often preferred by yacht charter companies, including in areas such as the Caribbean, Thailand, the Maldives and Australia.

Popular certifications include:

RYA Competent Crew - for beginners;
RYA Day Skipper - for those who want to sail during the day;
RYA Coastal Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster - for advanced sailing and even professional yachting careers.

Major differences between ICC and RYA

Feature	ICC licence (Romania)	RYA licence (International)
Recognition	Europe (under conventions)	Global (recognised by companies and schools)
Issuer	Romanian Naval Authority (ANR)	RYA accredited schools
Main purpose	European recreational boating	Recreational & professional sailing
Level of training	Theory + a bit of practice	Lots of practice
Price	More accessible	More expensive
Available languages	English	English

ICC licence - How to get it in Romania

ICC licence categories: A, B, C

In Romania, the boat licence is divided into three main categories:

Category A - for unlimited maritime navigation (open waters, including ocean);
Category B - for maritime navigation near the coast, at a distance of up to 24 nautical miles from the shore;
Category C - for maritime navigation in the restricted coastal zone, at a distance of up to 6 nautical miles from the shore;
Category D - for navigation on inland waters (lakes, rivers, navigable canals).
Category S - additional category, necessary for driving sailing boats. This category does not work on its own, but is added one of categories A, B, C or D, depending on where you want to sail.

Each category requires a different level of knowledge, and the licence depends on the area you want to sail in. For example, if you want to rent a sailing boat in Croatia, you need Category C + S or B + S.

Who needs an ICC licence?

If you're planning to operate a motorised or sailing boat over 5 metres in length or with an engine of more than 15 hp, you'll need a licence by law. Whether you're in Romania, Croatia or Greece, charters require proof of competency, and the ICC is the most commonly accepted document in this context.

The process to get an ICC licence

The process involves:

Enrolling on an NRA-accredited course - theory + practice;
Preparing for the theory exam - maritime regulations, signalling, manoeuvring;
The theoretical and practical exam - before an NRA committee;
Getting your licence - valid for 10 years - after that it is necessary to renew the certificate (without further examination)

The course lasts 1-4 weeks and the exam is held in one day. Once you pass, you will receive a card-type licence, officially recognised in European countries.

The RYA licence - How to get it internationally

What is the RYA (Royal Yachting Association)?

The RYA is regarded as the ultimate authority on watersports and sailing training internationally. Based in the UK, it authorises hundreds of sailing schools worldwide. Holding an RYA certificate is the equivalent of a prestigious yachting qualification, opening up opportunities for charters, regattas, or even maritime careers.

What's different about an RYA course?

RYA licence/certificate types (Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper etc.)

RYA certifications are structured in progressive levels, offering sailors full development from beginner to professional. Here are the most common types:

RYA Competent Crew - for those with no experience. It's a 5-day practical course on a boat, where you learn how everything works on board.
RYA Day Skipper - is the next level up and involves knowledge of navigation, meteorology, planning and driving the boat during the day. It includes a theoretical and practical part.
RYA Coastal Skipper - for those who want to sail longer distances, including at night, close to the shore.
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal / Offshore / Ocean - advanced certificates, including those recognised for professional careers (e.g. skipper on luxury yachts, flotillas, charters).

These levels are progressive, meaning you can't go straight to an advanced course without completing the previous courses and experience.

How and where can you enrol at an RYA school?

RYA schools are spread all over the world. One school renowned, very close to Romania is in Kavala, Greece.
Since 2011 we have been working with Ageas Yachting, one of the most respected sailing schools in Greece and one of the closest RYA centre to Romania. It is the place where more than 1200 Romanians have so far obtained the RYA certification, through a rigorous and well-organised practical programme. It is a collaboration that honours us and allows us to offer international standards at obtaining a sailing licence.

There are other RYA centres in Croatia, the UK, France, Spain and even Dubai. Signing up is quite simple and involves:

Choosing an authorised RYA centre;
Set your desired course according to your level;
Fill in the enrolment form and pay the fee;
Attend theoretical (some online) and practical (on the boat) courses;
For the first level, RYA Day Skipper, there's no „exam” - it's a practical course and assessment, 5 days at sea, after which the instructor either grants or denies the licence.

The major advantage is that, once you have RYA certification, it is internationally recognised and there is no need for further equivalence or additional authorisations for most areas of navigation.

enrol on an RYA or ICC course

RYA Day Skipper Course is special because of its practical approach, individual attention (maximum 5 learners), international recognition and emphasis on safety, responsibility and the development of real skippering skills.
If you want an ICC licence obtained in Romania, we recommend and can help you through our partner sailing school: Seanergya.

RYA DAY SKIPPER SAILING LICENCE

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International ICC C/D/S

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Advantages and disadvantages of each system

Aspect	ICC licence (Romania)	RYA licence
Course duration	5-14 days	5 days/course, progressive
How to evaluate	Theory and practical exam	Continuous assessment by instructor
Accessibility	Romanian language courses at reduced cost	Courses in English, higher costs
Recognition	Europe (mainly EU countries)	Global (including charters and companies)
Focus	Legislation, theory, minimum practice	Intensive practice, leadership, navigation

Costs: ICC boat licence vs RYA

Prices for the Romanian licence (ICC)

In Romania, the cost of getting a boat licence is affordable. They vary depending on the school you choose and the category of licence, but generally include:

Theoretical and practical courses: between 1,000 and 2,500 lei;
NRA examination fee: approx. 300 lei;
Licence: approx. 70 lei.

The total cost averages 1.500-2.800 lei. The major advantage is that, once you get your licence, there are no significant costs, apart from renewing it every 10 years.

Costs for RYA certifications

In the RYA system, costs are higher because the standard of training is international and RYA schools invest in high-performance boats, certified instructors and equipment:

RYA Competent CrewBetween €500 and €800;
RYA Day Skipper (theory + practice)1.000-1.500 euro;
RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmasterover €2,000.

The total cost to progress through the RYA system can be as high as 3.000-5.000 eurodepending on the level you want to reach.

Which is more cost-effective in the long run?

If you only want to sail occasionally in Europe, the ICC licence is more than enough. But if you want to sail internationally, charter boats anywhere, or even take up yachting as a profession, the investment in the RYA system is justified and much more appreciated globally.

Who can get a boat licence?

Minimum age and other legal conditions

To get a boat licence, whether ICC or RYA, certain legal conditions must be met:

Minimum age for the ICC licence is 18 yearsin Romania;
For RYA courses, the minimum age is usually 16 years for Day Skipper and 18 years for advanced certifications;
A Valid identity card and clean criminal record (for ICC);
In the case of the RYA, a criminal record is not compulsory, but is required understanding English on a functional level, as the courses and instructions are given in English.

These requirements are designed to ensure safety on the water and to ensure that people operating a boat are able to make decisions in a variety of boating conditions.

Health and fitness

Boating involves physical effort, heightened attention and quick reactions, so health assessment is important. For the ICC, the Romanian authorities require a medical record issued by a general practitioner or occupational physician confirming that the person is fit to sail.

For the RYA, a medical certificate is not compulsory, but many schools require that participants:

Know how to swim;
Have no serious vision or balance problems;
Understand and apply commands in English.

If you have any health problems that may affect your ability to drive a boat, it's a good idea to discuss them in advance with your instructors or the licensing authority.

Benefits of having a boat licence

Freedom, adventure and exploration

Ever dreamt of waking up on a deserted island, anchoring in a secret cove or sailing the open seas without any restrictions? With a boat licence, these things become a reality. It's a passport to adventure, an invitation to explore the seas and lakes from a whole new perspective. Sailing offers total freedom, unique experiences and a deep disconnection from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Access to international car hire and fleets

Another big advantage is the possibility to legally hire boats, either in Romania or abroad. Most charter companies require a valid licence, and holding one (especially the RYA Day Skipper or ICC) opens the door to entire fleets of top boats. You can take part in organised flotillas, themed cruises or even friendly competitions.

Career opportunities in yachting

If your passion becomes more than a hobby, an advanced RYA licence (such as Yachtmaster Offshore) gives you access to a international career: professional skipper, RYA instructor, crew member on luxury yachts or even captain on commercial yachts.

Licence holder risks and responsibilities

Sailing is not just fun - it's also responsibility

Having a licence is not just about freedom, it's about a great responsibility. You are directly responsible for the safety of those on board, for compliance with maritime rules and for protecting the marine environment. Mistakes can have serious consequences, including:

fines or penalties;
licence suspension;
accidents on the water;
accidental pollution of protected areas.

Essential rules to follow

Respecting COLREG rules (International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea);
Sailing with full safety equipment on board;
Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited when driving a boat;
Proper route planning and checking weather conditions;
Permanent communication with port authorities when necessary.

Conclusion

Obtaining a boat licence, whether ICC issued in Romania or a certificate RYA International, it's a gateway to freedom, exploration and adventure. If you want to sail occasionally in Europe, the Romanian licence is more than enough. If you dream of global sailing, a career in yachting or luxury charters in the Caribbean, then the RYA system is the way to go.

The choice is up to you and what you want from the experience. Either way, the waters are waiting for you. All you need is the courage to start and the right document.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What boat licence do I need to sail in Greece?

In most cases, the ICC licence (category B) is sufficient for coastal sailing in Greece. If you choose a charter, you'll also need a crew list and sometimes a second crew member with minimum experience or another certificate.

2. Can I drive a boat without a licence in Romania?

Yes, if the boat is less than 5 metres in length and has an engine under 15 horsepower. In all other cases, the licence is compulsory by law.

3. Is the RYA licence also valid in Romania?

Yes, the RYA licence is recognised by most charter companies and international authorities, including in Romania. However, for certain commercial navigation in Romanian waters, you may need an RYA licence.

4. How long does the ICC licence course last?

Between 5 and 14 days, depending on the chosen school and category. The exam is usually scheduled immediately after the course.

5. What happens if the CCI licence expires?

The ICC licence is valid for 10 years. After expiry, it must be renewed at the NRA, usually without a new exam but with updated documents.

6. Can I get a boat licence if I don't live in Romania?

Yes, it is possible to get an ICC licence issued in Romania even if you are not permanently resident here. You just have to follow the course and take the exam in Romania and, at the end, the NRA will issue you the licence on the basis of your personal documents (passport or identity card).

7. Does my RYA licence expire?

Not all RYA licences have an expiry date. For example, the Day Skipper do not expire, but some commercial or safety courses may require periodic renewal (such as STCW Basic Safety TrainingIt's a good idea to update your skills regularly, especially if you don't surf frequently.

8. What is the difference between a boat licence and a car driving licence?

A boat licence is completely separate from a car licence. Even if you have a car licence, you can't drive a boat without a boat licence. The two are not equivalent and the regulations are separate, with different issuing bodies.

9. Can I do RYA courses online?

Yes, some RYA modules (such as the theory for Day Skipper) can be followed online through accredited schools' platforms. However, the practical part is always done physically, on the boat, in real sailing conditions.

10. Can I get my RYA licence in Romanian?

RYA courses are available in English only, in accordance with the Association's international standards. It is therefore important that you have a minimum level of understanding of the language in order to be able to attend and successfully complete the courses.

CHOOSE WHAT SUITS YOU:

The sailing community is growing year by year. CAPETAN is intended to be a support point, both for those who are just discovering the fascinating world of sailing and for experienced sailors who want to reach the next level. We want you to be the best version of yourself, to enjoy sailing confidently and safely.

HOW WORKS

We organise 7-day courses in sailing destinations in Greece where we practice sailing manoeuvres and techniques applicable in real traffic and sea conditions.

PRACTICE

We give you the opportunity to put your shoulder to the wheel and practice as much as you can manoeuvres needed to sail properly.

CAMARADERIE

Join the CAPETAN community, a club of sailing enthusiasts that will always help you out when in need.

EXPERIENCE

The knowledge provided is designed to help you easily navigate situations that can arise when sailing a charter boat in a busy holiday destination with an inexperienced crew.

BASIC AND ADVANCED

SKIPPER for 7 days

If you dream of getting out on a boat as much as possible, experiencing the adventure on the waves and enjoying the feeling of freedom the sea gives you, you've come to the right place. We understand and support you! Through partnerships with several sailing schools, we offer you the framework to get the navigation permit. In addition, we offer you experience and confidence - we specialise in practical training courses. With a 7-day module, you'll practice the theory you've learned and enjoy life at sea.

For those who already have some experience but want to improve their skills and build their confidence, we offer advanced course modules. These focus on sail handling, single-handed manoeuvres, night sailing or long mile building routes.