Top 5 reasons to still get a skipper license

Reason number 1: you can rent a boat for charter only if you have a skipper's license

If you already own a boat, then it is unlikely that you will be checked for the appropriate document allowing you to operate a yacht. In some countries, it is not needed at all - buy a yacht and go on a trip. 

Otherwise, things are with the charter. Alas, not everyone can afford to buy a yacht, so renting is the best option for a large stratum of yachtsmen. The vast majority of charter firms will ask you for the appropriate license. Yes, if there is someone other than you with a license on board, then of course you can drive the boat without documents. But there is a problem - in which case it is the license owner who will be responsible and is unlikely to want to answer in the face of the law for your mistakes.

So it's still worth it get trained and get a skipper's license. Please note that different countries have different license level requirements. 

Reason #2: Safety is everything!

In fact, the situation with a skipper's license is in many ways similar to a car license. Naturally, you can drive without a license - but this is against the law in most countries and is fraught with consequences. 

In a sense, this is also true for yachting. The rights of a motorist is not only a crust, it is also knowledge about safety rules. For motorists there are traffic rules, and for sailors and yachtsmen - COLREGs. This is a set of rules that was created to prevent and prevent dangerous situations on the water. It has a clear hierarchy and priority of vessel traffic, signals for various weather conditions and situations, as well as symbols for navigation lights.

Naturally, there are many people who sail calmly and have seen a COLREG once or twice in their lives. However, this does not relieve them of their responsibility in the event of an accident. So why tempt fate? It will be much easier for you to prove your case in the event of a force majeure situation, using quite specific rules of the COLREG. In addition, you yourself will be able to prevent such situations. 

In our yacht school experienced instructors explain in detail and intelligibly all the most important rules. And after practice, you will definitely consolidate the material and will no longer be confused about whether to skip the motorboat or go ahead!

Reason #3: Lack of a license makes insurance pointless

Have you heard stories about how insurance companies are looking for any loopholes and excuses for not paying insurance premiums? Well, what is there, probably you yourself have come across this. So, the lack of a skipper's license is a perfectly valid reason for refusing to pay. 

This is another reason why charter companies also check your licenses. Charter companies do not want to take the risk of giving the boat to a person without a license, because the insurance company will simply not pay them in the event of an accident.

And even if you already have a boat, you pay insurance, but do not have a license - this is tantamount to giving the insurance company a reason not to pay you insurance. Is this risk worth it? We think not. Obtaining a license is a simple process, and the benefits of it are much more than it might seem.

Reason #4: Invaluable experience

There is no better practice than that of a professional. And this applies to any profession. Not everyone is lucky enough to discover the sea under the guidance of a seasoned sea wolf. However, this is easy to fix! 

Instructors are often the bearers of invaluable experience, which they must constantly confirm during the renewal of their instructor licenses. In addition, the instructor will not only tell you how to sail the boat, but also show you what to do in critical situations. This is an experience that cannot be gleaned from videos on the Internet.

Reason #5: Be better than you were yesterday

Let's return to the example about the car and rights. You can drive without a license - but it would be wrong both from the point of view of the law and from the point of view of morality. The same goes for yachts. One of the main skills of a sailor in general and a skipper in particular is the constant improvement and honing of one's skills and knowledge. 

In addition, by obtaining a skipper's license, you set an example for other seafarers. And this is a very important aspect for any sailor. Who knows, maybe you will be the one to train and guide the next generation of sailors? Obtaining a license is a serious step in becoming a seafarer. 
If you have any questions about obtaining a license, then  contact us with any questions.

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06.04.2023