One of the coolest things about sailing is the access it provides to some of the most amazing places the planet has to offer. Although plenty of these places are right here in the United States, many of us crave destinations far far away, and making that possible is a big part of what the American Sailing Association is all about.
Chartering overseas is on the bucket list of many a sailor, but making it happen comes with a stipulation or two. A sizable number of countries require an International Proficiency Certificate that lets them know the charterer is trained, qualified and prepared to take one of their boats out to sea. In fact, it’s mandatory when chartering in most European/Mediterranean waters – dozens of countries insist the charterer hold an International Proficiency Certificate.
Fortunately, the ASA 104 course is quite similar to the IPC, so once you are certified to 104, simply fill out the application for the IPC, pay the fee and become internationally certified. To get the full scoop go to asa.com/ipc. Once that’s done, we highly recommend chartering and sailing the Med – you will never forget it.
What is ASA’s International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)?
An International Proficiency Certificate indicates that you have a certain level of proficiency and competency to safely operate a type/size of vessel. An IPC provides a certification which many Mediterranean charter companies view as equivalent to the ICC. Please note that any certification should also be paired with the appropriate sailing resume and you should check with your intended charter company to verify what they require.
As of 2022 the following countries accept the ASA IPC certificate: Belarus, Croatia, France, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey.
Before You Charter in Europe
- The Mediterranean Mooring: The Mediterranean Moor is a hybrid of anchoring, rafting, and docking used in regions where there is little tidal range. It takes its name from an old Mediterranean custom of mooring stern-to along a town’s quay or seawall which allows a lot of boats to fit in a small space.In principle, you drop an anchor in the middle of the harbor and tie the stern to the quay but the execution takes knowledge of how your boat behaves in reverse and skill in getting lines ashore.
- Checking in and Checking Out: In every country, you visit by boat you have to pass through an inspection by customs and immigration, just as when flying. Entry procedures for vessels and their crews vary from country to country and sometimes include checking in with port authorities and a police department as well.Before leaving most countries you have to clear out with the same authorities. When you’re ready to depart, take your ship’s papers and passports, along with your inbound clearance paperwork, to the relevant offices. Make sure your departure documents are properly stamped as you’ll need them to present to the authorities when you clear into the next country you visit.The best tip is to do your homework in advance and understand what the procedure is well before you arrive.
Charter Resources
- Your First Charter Sailing Vacation Today bareboat chartering is the culmination of your sailing education. When you walk across the deck and get your sailing diploma you step on to the metaphorical boat of your future and you can sail it anywhere you want!
- Charter Sailboat Resources Whether you have just begun to sail and have recently earned your ASA 101 certification or if you have already mastered ASA 114 and are a veteran of bareboat charters this resource should help you.
- Bareboat Charter in the BVI Getting aboard your bareboat charter is the goal when you get your ASA sailing certifications. Where do you begin? For many, it is a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands.
- Choosing a Charter Boat Company It’s time for you to set off on your own and explore endless shorelines and secluded coves. You have mapped out your plan and you have reserved your vacation time now all you need is a boat. How do you choose a charter company to rent a boat for a week?
- Choosing The Right Boat for Your Sailing Charter When you decide to take a sailing vacation aboard a sailing vessel that you will call home for a week or two you’ll be surprised by just how much you think you need.
- Sailing in Europe? Chartering overseas is on the bucket list of many a sailor, but making it happen comes with a stipulation or two. A sizable number of countries require an International Proficiency Certificate that lets them know the charterer is trained, qualified and prepared to take one of their boats out to sea.
Take an ASA Course in Europe
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