Can I use my license in other countries?

Skipper licenses are normally controlled through international agreements. Please check with the country licensing requirements around chartering and working in your country of choice, to see if a Croatian Category C license will be accepted for commercial or charter use. It is likely that commercial endorsements will require additional registration and certification. However the practical elements gained will be invaluable as experience.

Can I do the practical course before the theory course?

Yes - many of our skippers prefer to do the practical elements to see what it is like to be a skipper onboard a yacht before committing to the cost of exams and certifications.

How can I book the theory course?

The theory course is provided through our local partner in Split. Please enquire for available course dates as this course is run based on minimum participant numbers.

What is customer care training?

Customer care and first aid training is a free course provided by Sail Croatia for everyone that works as a skipper. It is needed to give you a clear understanding and to set expectations of customer care and its importance in delivering a sustainable tourism experience. The course is by invitation only and will be given to a small number of successful skippers who will work on our flotilla and private yacht tours.

Can I work elsewhere as a skipper after completing the practical and theoretical knowledge?

Yes. We train a number of skippers that go on to work as professional skippers for other companies and as independent skipper contractors each year.

PROFESSIONAL SKIPPER TRAINING COURSE

What is the Professional Skipper Course?

Professional Skipper Course is a vocational training program that kick starts your journey to becoming a skipper. The path to becoming a professional skipper starts with theoretical and practical training, and is followed by vocational work as a Sail Croatia skipper.

Successful applicants can benefit from many years of knowledge and experience, taking you to a level where you can competently skipper yachts and catamarans on our Private Yacht Tours.

Skipper training is open to Croatians, EU nationals and other countries which allow work in Croatia. For international skippers we are able to offer Theory and Practical training, and may be able to assist with work permits.

The Pathway to a Professional Skipper

4 Day Skipper Theory: €505

This course provides a basic understanding of sailing and the rules of the sea. You will need to complete an exam to obtain a license. Technically you will be allowed to skipper upon completion of this element, however practically it takes experience to be a successful skipper.

10 Day Croatia Skipper Course: €1,199

A 10 day practical training course that allows you to build on your experience and knowledge in everyday sailing and technical situations. This practical course takes place onboard a 43ft yacht.

2 Day Customer Care

A 2 day course covering customer care training and first aid. This course is provided by Sail Croatia and is a requirement for all Skippers before working with guests.

Flotilla Skipper

We invite a small number of skippers each year to join our flotilla skipper program. Here you build skill, knowledge and experience in sailing, and more importantly, customer service.

Private Yacht Tour Yacht Skipper

As you progress professionally (usually after a couple of seasons), you will move on to skippering yachts on our Private Yacht Tours. The highest standards of customer care are expected on this product.

Flotilla Lead Skipper

Our Lead Skippers are responsible for managing the day to day sailing and entire team on our flotilla.

Private Yacht Tour Catamaran Skipper

The highest level of progression for a Sail Croatia Skipper is onboard the Catamarans on our Private Yacht Tours. These Skippers are responsible for customer care and skippering our luxurious Catamarans.

SKIPPER THEORY COURSE

This 4 day course will equip you with the knowledge required to gain your official Skippers license (category C), allowing you to commercially Skipper a boat in Croatia.

The course is taught by experienced trainers and covers navigation, motor repair & maintenance knowledge, maritime law, meteorology, collision avoidance, radio communication and safety at sea.

At the conclusion of the 4 day theoretical course, participants should feel confident to sit and pass the Harbour Masters Exam.

The 4 Day Skipper Theory Course and obtaining the Category C Skippers License are not a pre-requisite to joining the Practical Skipper Course, however, we recommend you undertake this or a similar course to compliment your practical training.

Date: Available on enquiry
Location: Split, Croatia
Price: From €505 per person (payable locally)
Additional Costs (payable locally): Harbour Master Exam (≈€135), Medical Exam (€72 - €135)

SKIPPER PRACTICAL COURSE

This practical course takes place onboard 43ft yachts and utilises one on one mentoring and training from professional skippers across a 10 day program.

The program will cover everything you need to know in order to become a confident skipper, including Navigation, Safety, Sailing and Skipper skills, and Mechanical troubleshooting.

On completion of the training, participants will have all the skills required to sail in Croatia as an independent Skipper.

Date: 26 April, 2025
Location: Split ACI Marina
Price: €1,199 per person, based on twin share accommodation onboard
Additional Costs (payable locally): Food & Drinks, Transfers

Enquire Now

PROFESSIONAL SKIPPER TRAINING COURSE

What is the Professional Skipper Course?

The Pathway to a Professional Skipper

SKIPPER THEORY COURSE

SKIPPER PRACTICAL COURSE

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