Requirements for Bareboat Charter in Italy

Requirements for Bareboat Charter in Italy

Italian laws governing bareboat charters for recreational sailing and power vessels — particularly for non-residents — can be complex and sometimes confusing. For many years, international sailing licenses issued by organizations such as RYA, IYT, or ASA were generally accepted without issue. However, in recent years, regulations have tightened, and most charter companies in Italy now require that a sailing license be issued by the competent authority of the skipper’s country of residence.

While Decree No. 171 of July 18, 2005 Codice della Nautica da Diporto — which outlines the official requirements for bareboat charter skippers in Italy — does not explicitly state that the license must be issued by the skipper's country of residence, in practice, both Italian maritime authorities and charter operators typically enforce the following:

• A valid nautical license appropriate for the size and type of the vessel is required.
• The license must be issued by a government authority or a body authorized by the government of the skipper's country of residence.
• If the country of residence does not require a boating license, a formal declaration from a national authority confirming this may be accepted.

Examples:
✅ If you hold a sailing license issued by the government of your country of residence, you will generally be allowed to charter.
⚠️ If you hold a certificate issued by a private organization not officially recognized by your government — such as IYT, ASA, ISSA, or US Sailing — this may not be sufficient in Italy, even if it includes an ICC or IPC. This is based on administrative interpretation, which in Italy has the same strength as regulation unless formally challenged.

Why is this required?

Because without such a rule, a skipper could avoid accountability by obtaining a certificate from a “flag of convenience” country where exams and oversight are minimal. As Italian authorities often put it: “We trust your country to have checked whether you are competent, not some random third country.”

Documents Required for bareboat charter in Italy by Country of Residence:

🇺🇸 United States

• ASA or US Sailing IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) – widely accepted by charter companies. It pooves that skipper has completed formal sailing education, including theoretical and practical exams. You can apply for IPC online if you completed ASA 103-104 courses: apply here.
• State-issued Boater Card* – we recommend obtaining a state-issued Boater Card in addition to the IPC, since IPC may not be recognized as a government license by Italian maritime authorities. You can complete the course and text online at: boatus.org
• If you hold USCG Captain’s License you should be fully compliant, since this is an official document issued by U.S. government.

Note: The Boater Card is not a skipper’s license and is not sufficient for bareboat charter on its own. It serves as proof of basic boating safety education for operation primarily on inland waters and small powerboats. It does not cover sailing yachts or coastal waters.

🇨🇦 Canada

• ASA or US Sailing IPC or ICC issued by RYA (if trained through RYA system).
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) may be required even though it serves as basic proof of national boating competence, though not sufficient alone.

🇩🇪 Germany

• Sportbootführerschein See issued by DSV Deutscher Segler-Verband — is authorized by the German government.

🇦🇺 Australia

• RYA Day Skipper or higher, obtained via an RYA school in Australia, with accompanying ICC.
• State-issued boating license – such as WA Recreational Skipper Ticket or NSW Boat License — useful for administrative compliance.

Summary:

• Residents of UNECE Resolution 40 signatory countries (e.g., most of Europe) must hold an ICC issued by a government-authorized body in their country of residence.
• Residents of non-signatory countries (e.g., the USA, Canada, Australia) should present:
• A recognized international sailing certificate (IPC or RYA certificate),
• A government-issued boating license or declaration of exemption may be required, where applicable.

Why do I have to provide additional documents if I already have Skipper’s Certificate?

Italian Port Authorities expect documentation issued by a “competent authority” from the skipper’s country of residence

• Italy’s maritime rules (as enforced by Capitaneria di Porto) do not formally recognize IPC as a government license.
• They expect a license (or formal proof) issued by a national or regional authority — not a private organization.
• Since the U.S., Canada and Australia has no national sailing license, authorities may ask for something official: like a state-issued Boater Card.

➡️ IPC is accepted by many charter companies as proof of sailing skill though it may not be sufficient during Port Authority inspections, which may demand government-backed documentation.

Final note

This article outlines the most common bareboat charter requirements for non-Italian residents sailing in Italy. However, we strongly recommend verifying your eligibility in advance by submitting your sailing resume and license copies for review when making a reservation.

Please note: Regulations and administrative practices may change without prior notice. 12 Knots cannot be held liable for changes in licensing requirements that may occur after your reservation has been confirmed.