After you have officially booked your sailing holiday, the charter company will contact you about what will need to be done. Prepare to provide the following documents:
The crew list
This is a list with all the details of everyone who will be on board (friends, family, children, and yourself). This includes all names, passport numbers, etc.
The charter contract
Each charter company has their own charter agreement that you need to read carefully, agree to, sign, and send back.
Documents you'll need once you're on board
when the long-awaited day has arrived, and you arrive at the charter office, they will (and should) hand over a checklist stating everything that is on board and that everything is good to go. This is done so that it can be checked that everything that came with you at the start was the trip is still there.
Required sailing licences
When you decide to go sailing, you must have a valid sailing licence. But the sailing licence may vary depending on the yacht and country where you are going to sail.
To sail a yacht, you need to have a boating licence. This is called an ICC, or International Certificate of Competence, which is globally accepted as a boating licence, and is sufficient in many countries to charter a yacht. Getting an ICC is simple, and this should definitely be one of the first things you get.
Charter a powerboat without a skipper
If you plan to charter a powerboat without a skipper on board, you will definitely need the same ICC licence as mentioned above, depending on the country you are visiting. However, the charter company you book through may require a different type of documentation obtained through actual time spent on the water to confirm the experience needed to be safe and prepared during your sailing holiday.
If you need this type of sailing licence, contact your local yacht club, where they will guide you through the necessary steps to obtain one. In addition, you need the ICC licence, as mentioned earlier.
*If you do not have a boating licence or cannot get one for whatever reason before your trip, you may need to book with a skipper who is already licensed and will avoid any complications. This means all you have to do is sit back, relax and have the time of your life on board.
If you plan to do some serious fishing on board, you will need a fishing licence. Go to your local fishing club to buy one.
Visas, passports and customs
One of the most important documents you need to rent a boat anytime ... your passport! You need to make sure it is valid and not expiring anytime soon. It's also smart to bring a photocopy of your passport in case something happens to the original.
Depending on the countries you visit, you may also need a tourist visa. For details on this, contact the embassy.
Airport and marina transfers
It is important to plan and set up your flights and transfers to and from the marina location. Always bring a printed confirmation of each booking.
Travel insurance
Although there is a small risk of something happening during your sailing holiday. It is always better to be on the safe side. Make sure you are covered by travel insurance and always take your policy number with you just in case.
Charter and booking confirmations
It is always a good idea to bring proof of every additional booking you have made with your charter company. You will be more organised, and it will also help you refer to it for all the contact details and details you need during your sailing holiday.
Once you have all these documents in order, you will be ready to set off on a sailing trip you will surely never forget!