⚓ What Do You Need to Know Before Going Out to Sea?

Boating is more than just fueling up and heading out. Here are a few basics every beginner should learn:

1. Licensing and Regulations (Normatives)

Each country has its own rules when it comes to boating. If you're planning to rent, own, or operate a boat in different places, here’s a quick overview of the basic requirements in some popular boating countries:

🇺🇸 United States

• No federal boating license, but each state has its own rules.

• Most states require a boating safety course for operators under a certain age (usually under 30).

• Example: Florida requires a Boater Education Card if you're born after 1988 and want to operate a boat with 10+ HP.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• For private leisure boats, no license is required for most coastal and tidal waters.

• Inland waterways (rivers, canals) often require a Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) certificate and a Canal & River Trust license.

• Commercial or rental boats may require an RYA certificate.

🇩🇪 Germany

• You need a "Sportbootführerschein" (SBF) for boats with engines over 15 HP.

• Separate versions exist for inland (Binnen) and sea (See) navigation.

• Practical and theoretical exams are required, plus first-aid training.

🇫🇷 France

• For boats over 6 HP on inland waters or sea, you need a "Permis Plaisance".

• Two types: coastal (navigation up to 6 nautical miles from shore) and inland.

• Training and a test are mandatory.

🇮🇹 Italy

• Required if:

  • Boat is over 24 meters

  • Going more than 6 nautical miles from the coast

  • Engine is over 40.8 HP

• You need a boating license (Patente Nautica), theory + practical exams included.

🇪🇸 Spain

• For boats under 5 meters (motor) or 6 meters (sail) and not going more than 2 miles offshore, no license needed.

• Otherwise, the "Licencia de Navegación" or "PER (Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo)" is required.

• Popular for expats and locals—Spain offers beginner-friendly boating schools.

🇭🇷 Croatia

• Requires a license for any motorized boat or for sailing beyond sheltered waters.

• Many tourists get a “Boat Skipper Category B” license.

• Accepted across much of the EU for chartering yachts.

🇦🇺 Australia

• Each state has its own rules.

• In New South Wales and Queensland, a boat license is required for any vessel that can go 10 knots (~18.5 km/h).

• Safety certificates and life jackets are mandatory.

🇨🇦 Canada

• You must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) to operate a motorized boat.

• Available online after passing a safety course.

• Applies nationwide for all provinces.

 

2. Safety Equipment You Must Have

By law (and common sense), you should carry:

• Life jackets (1 per person)

• Fire extinguisher

• First aid kit

• Navigation lights

• Emergency flares or radio

3. Reading the Sea and Navigating

Boats don’t have brakes like cars! So learning how to:

• Read wind and waves

• Anchor safely

• Maneuver in harbors
  …is super important, especially for avoiding accidents.

4. Costs Beyond Fuel

Owning or renting a boat involves:

• Maintenance (engines, hull, electronics)

• Mooring fees (for keeping it at a marina)

• Annual inspections (like the ITV for boats in some countries)

• Storage and cleaning