Have you been dreaming of being your own captain for a long time? Then there’s only one thing left to say: cast off! Before you set course for independence and relaxation, however, there are a few basic points to check. So that you don’t have to face closed “seas”, we will clarify all the important questions about the Croatian coastal patent.
What do I need to know in order to be allowed to drive a boat in Croatia?
One thing right away: You can’t drive a boat in Croatia without a boat licence. In contrast to Germany, a licence is required for every motorised boat in Croatia. Even non-motorised boats over 2.5 metres in length are affected by this regulation – with the exception of rowing boats, paddle boats and surfboards. In addition, boat owners are obliged to buy a vignette for their boat at the respective harbour office.
How can I obtain a boat licence for Croatia?
It’s very simple: You only have to register for a course. The learning materials will then be made available to you digitally. With the help of these documents, you can prepare for the course from the comfort of your own home.
The Croatian coastal licence is an official licence issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Maritime Affairs and Transport. For this reason, an oral examination is held by the officials of the local port authority. A practical exam is not necessary. In our case, the exam is taken at the Vodice Port Authority.
Only a few days after successfully passing the exam, the boat licence is issued. As this is a theoretical exam, we recommend that you take a practical training course before your first trip.
What types of boat licences are valid in Croatia?
In addition to the Croatian boat licence, official boat licences from the holder’s home country are also valid. If you have any questions about the recognition of your coastal patent, we will be happy to help!
In general, it can be stated that holders of the Croatian coastal licence (Boat Skipper Category B) within the 12-mile zone are entitled to
- Passenger vessels up to three miles off the coast and islands,
- cargo or fishing boats,
- pleasure boats (of all types),
- yachts up to 30 GT and
- Charter yachts up to 30 GT without professional crew.
If there are islands off the coast, the twelve miles from the offshore island apply. The coastal patent does not apply to rivers and lakes. A separate patent must be obtained for these. Outside the 12-mile zone, a licence is no longer required, as these are international waters.
What categories of boat licence are there?
CATEGORY BOAT SKIPPER – A
A category A boat skipper’s licence can be obtained from the age of 15. Attending a course is not a prerequisite for obtaining the licence. Mastery of the basics of navigation is required, which includes:
- reading nautical charts,
- determining course and distance,
- collision avoidance rules at sea – practical demonstration with models,
- lights on ships,
- day signals, sound signals, danger signals,
- ropes and knots,
- meteorology and
- winds in the Adriatic.
CATEGORY BOAT SKIPPER – B
At the age of 16 you are entitled to take the category B boat skipper exam. After passing the examination, the master of a category B boat is entitled to operate a boat or yacht for own use up to 30 GT in the area of navigation IIa, III (without restrictions) and IV with his licence. Until the age of 18, the engine power is limited to 15 KW (20 hp), thereafter the engine power is no longer limited.
CATEGORY BOAT SKIPPER – C
The Category C Boat Skipper is the first degree of a professional skipper – captain for all seas of the world. The course comprises a total of 25 hours of lectures and exercises, plus the compulsory six hours of practical sailing instruction. After passing the exam, a Category C skipper is allowed to skipper boats and yachts up to 30 GT commercially, regardless of the sailing zone (worldwide) and the type of vessel.
CATEGORY YACHT MASTER A
To obtain a licence, a category A yacht master (up to 100 gross tonnes) must meet the following requirements:
- completed 18th year of age,
- successfully passed his school-leaving examination,
- at least 12 months sailing experience on a commercial or public vessel,
- three years’ experience as a category C boatmaster, and
- pass a special vision and hearing test.
CATEGORY YACHT MASTER B
To obtain a licence, a category B yacht master (up to 500 gross tonnes) must meet the following requirements:
- completed 25th year of age,
- at least a successfully passed school-leaving examination,
- two years sailing experience as a member of a navigation watch or
- 12 months sailing experience as a yacht commander up to 100 GT as well as
- have good eyesight and hearing.
Is the Croatian boat licence also valid in Germany?
The Croatian licence is not recognised for people who are resident in Germany. So if you are German and want to sail a boat in German waters, you need a German boat licence. Persons residing in Croatia are allowed to sail in German territorial waters for one year with the Croatian coastal patent within the framework of the host country regulation. After that, a German driving licence must be obtained and presented.
Can I drive a boat abroad with a Croatian coastal licence?
Yes, this is possible. Within the framework of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation), all countries bordering the Mediterranean have signed an agreement on the mutual recognition of boating licences.
Can I have my Croatian boat licence rewritten?
It is not possible to have the Croatian coastal licence transcribed into a German boat licence.
I lack practical experience, can I still drive a boat?
Anyone who has passed the boating licence examination is allowed to steer a motorised sports boat. The practical basics can be learned during a skipper training course. Especially if you are planning a boat trip with friends or family, we recommend taking practical lessons beforehand for safety reasons. We will be happy to refer you to our partner ADRIA LIBAR Šibenik!
I am not yet a yacht owner. But I would like to become one. Who should I contact here?
You’ve come to the right place! For many years we have been acting as a reliable partner for yacht owners and those who would like to become one. Our ultimate goal? To see your smile when you board your yacht. Our promise? With us you buy your yacht at the best conditions, whether new or used. Merk & Merk is the official dealer of Princess Yachts, Cranchi Yachts, Solaris Yachts and Solaris Power. Trust us and our many years of experience!