Dreaming of sailing the Adriatic on your own? Croatia’s breathtaking coastlines, countless islands, and crystal-clear waters make it one of the world’s top sailing destinations. But before you can charter a bareboat and set off, you’ll need a valid skipper license — not necessarily Croatian, but recognized under local regulations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through which licenses are accepted, what additional requirements you’ll need, and why getting a Croatian skipper license can be a simple and practical choice if you don’t already have one.
Do You Need a Croatian Skipper License?
Not necessarily. To charter a bareboat in Croatia, the skipper must hold a recognized boating license. This can be:
- An ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
- RYA, ASA, or another accepted national license
- Or the Croatian Boat Skipper B Category License
Croatia publishes an official list of recognized licenses, and as long as yours is on it, you’re good to go.
In addition, at least one crew member (not necessarily the skipper) must hold a valid VHF (radio) license. However, if you obtain a Croatian skipper license, the VHF qualification is included — so you don’t need a separate VHF certificate.
Why Consider a Croatian Skipper License?
If your current license isn’t recognized by Croatian charter companies, the local exam is a straightforward solution. The Boat Skipper B Category License (Voditelj Brodice B kategorija) covers:
- Vessels up to 30 GT (gross tonnage)
- Navigation in coastal waters
- Use of VHF radio (if you pass the VHF module)
There’s also a C category license, usually for professional skippers, but the B category is what most recreational sailors obtain.
It’s affordable, valid for life, and ensures you’re covered when sailing in Croatia.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Croatian Boat License
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Choose the Right Harbor Office
The exam is organized by Port Authorities (Harbor Masters’ Offices) in coastal cities like Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka, and Zadar.
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Register for the Exam
You’ll need to submit:
- Passport or ID copy
- 2 passport-style photos
- Completed application form
- Payment of exam fee (typically €100–150)
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Study the Material
The exam covers:
- Navigation basics (reading charts, plotting courses)
- Safety and rescue procedures
- Maritime regulations and signals
- Engine basics
- Radio communication (if including VHF)
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Take the Exam
The test is theoretical only (no practical sailing test required). Questions are answered orally or in writing at the Harbor Office.
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Receive Your License
If successful, you’ll get your Boat Skipper B Category license the same day or within a few days — valid for life.
Skipper Training with Bruneko
Once you have your license, you might still want to gain confidence before setting off. That’s where we come in. At Bruneko, we offer custom skipper training with our experienced skippers. Just let us know what you need:
- A skipper onboard for couple of days
- A one-day refresher training
- Focused practice on navigation, docking, or safety procedures
We’ll tailor the experience so you feel fully prepared and comfortable at the helm.
Final Thoughts
To charter a bareboat in Croatia, you don’t have to hold a Croatian skipper license — but you do need a valid license that local authorities recognize, plus a VHF license for at least one crew member (unless you hold a Croatian skipper license, which already includes VHF). If you don’t already have one, obtaining the Croatian Boat Skipper B is quick, affordable, and ensures smooth sailing.
Ready to start your adventure? Explore our fleet and reach out to us for guidance on licenses and skipper training — we’ll help you chart the perfect course.
