Charter companies operate in a high-liability environment. A single grounding, collision, or rescue operation can cost tens of thousands of dollars — not to mention reputational damage. That's why every reputable charter company has a vetting process for skippers.
Understanding what charter companies actually look for can help you prepare the right credentials and avoid disappointment when booking your dream charter.
The Three Pillars of Charter Approval
Formal Certification
The first thing charter companies check is whether you hold a recognized sailing qualification. The level required depends on the boat size, location, and company policy.
Accepted Certifications:
- NauticEd SLC / Bareboat Charter Master
- NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master / Coastal Skipper
- ASA 104 / 114 Catamaran
- SLC (Sailing License and Credentials)
- IYT Bareboat Skipper
- National licenses (varies by country)
Pro Tip: For European charters, ICC is often mandatory. NauticEd SLC includes ICC eligibility when combined with practical assessment.
Documented Experience
Certification alone isn't enough. Charter companies want to see that you've actually been sailing — and recently. Your sailing resume or logbook proves your practical experience.
Minimum Requirements (Typical)
- 50+ hours logged sailing time
- Experience on similar-sized vessel
- Recent sailing (within 12-24 months)
What Strengthens Your Resume
- Night sailing experience
- Offshore passages (50+ NM)
- Catamaran-specific experience
NauticEd Advantage: The NauticEd digital logbook automatically builds your sailing resume as you complete courses and log trips. Charter companies can verify your credentials online instantly.
Vessel-Specific Competence
Chartering a 50ft catamaran is very different from sailing a 30ft monohull. Companies want assurance you can handle the specific type of vessel you're booking.
Key Considerations:
- Monohull vs. Catamaran: If chartering a cat, previous catamaran experience is strongly preferred or required
- Vessel Size: Experience should be on vessels within 10-15ft of the charter boat
- Systems Knowledge: Understanding of modern yacht systems (watermakers, generators, electronics)
Our Advantage: Training on Bali catamarans (40-55ft) means you'll have logged experience on the exact type of vessel most commonly chartered in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
What If You Don't Meet Requirements?
If your credentials fall short of a charter company's requirements, you typically have three options:
Option 1: Hire a Professional Skipper
Most charter companies offer licensed skippers for hire. This adds €150-300/day but gives you an experienced captain. Great for learning while chartering.
Option 2: Complete a Checkout Sail
Some companies offer an extended checkout (half-day with instructor) to verify your skills before approving bareboat charter. Additional fee typically €100-200.
Option 3: Get Certified First (Recommended)
The most cost-effective long-term solution. A 6-day training program gives you certification, logged experience, and vessel-specific competence — qualifying you for bareboat charters worldwide.
What Major Charter Companies Require
| Company Type | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|
| Major Fleets (Sunsail, Moorings, Dream Yacht) |
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| European Bases (Croatia, Greece, Spain) |
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| Caribbean Bases (BVI, St. Martin, Grenada) |
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| Premium Yachts (50ft+ / High-value vessels) |
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Get Charter-Ready Certified
Our 6-day St. Martin program delivers NauticEd SLC + SLC certification with logged catamaran experience on Bali 40-55ft vessels.