Documents needed to rent a boat

After you have officially booked your sailing vacation, the charter company will contact you about what will need to be done. Be prepared 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 rental agreement that you must read carefully, agree to, sign, and return.

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 they can check that everything that came with you at the beginning of the trip is still there.

Required sailing certificates

When you decide to go sailing, you must have a valid boating license. But the license may vary by yacht and country where you are going to sail.

To sail a yacht, you must have a boating license. This is called an ICC, or International Certificate of Competence, which is globally accepted as a boating license, 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. 

Chartering a powerboat without a skipper

If you plan to charter a powerboat without a skipper on board, you will definitely need the same ICC license as mentioned above, depending on the country you are visiting. However, the charter company you are booking 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 vacation.

If you need this type of sailing license, contact your local yacht club, where they will walk you through the necessary steps to obtain one. In addition, you will need the ICC license, as mentioned earlier.

*Ifyou do not have a boating license 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 license. Go to your local fishing club to purchase one.

Visas, passports and customs

One of the most important documents you need to rent a boat at any time ... 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 are visiting, 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 vacation. It is always better to be on the safe side. Make sure you are covered by travel insurance and always bring your policy number 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'll be more organized and it will also help you refer to it for all the contact information and details you need during your sailing vacation.

Once you have all these documents in order, you will be ready to set off on a sailing trip that you will surely never forget!