Currently, for a nautical license, different companies and even different people from within the company will accept various papers as an acceptable certification. The following certificates have been accepted for bareboat: "Safety at Sea" certificate from Boat US, "Safe Boating" certificate issued by the local Coast Guard Auxiliary, and "Keelboat Certification" from US Sailing. We knew a sailor from the Rocky Mountains, with no boating classes offered within a hundred miles stuck looking to fulfill license requirements for an upcoming trip. He took an online class and after his test, received in the mail a “Safe Boating” certificate, which was sufficient for his particular charter company. Plan ahead as the online method takes a little more time to get your certificate. When communicating with your charter company, make sure you represent your boating certificate as a “real” US boating license. In reality, they just need a piece of paper that looks official from a government maritime agency with a name specified on it. However, be prepared that your charter company may request a different certificate than what you have. For instance, a "Keelboat Certification" may be denied, in preference for a 3 week correspondence "US Power Squadron Boat Safety" certificate in order to bareboat a yacht over 40'. The particular sailor affected did not mind taking the "USPS Boat Safety" course, as it was very straightforward, easily accessible and knocked money off on his boat insurance.

Certain larger American based charter companies may provide a “temporary license” for American sailors that submit a detailed sailing resume. Unfortunately, if you would like to bareboat in Spain, Balearic and Canary Islands, a US Coast Guard License is the only acceptable certification for bareboat.

A VHF license is also required in some parts of the Mediterranean. This is an easy piece of documentation to get, and well worth the $50. We have included the step-by-step directions to make your life easier.

• First access the FCC website at http://wireless.fcc.gov
• Then on the right go to call sign registration and get an FRN#.
• Fill out the application and receive the FRN# immediately.
• Go back to the wirelessfcc.gov home page.
• On the right go to online filing
• Select Restricted Operators license (RR) and follow directions.
• Click on regular license w/no exemptions.
• Follow all directions and fill out required credit card information.

You will receive immediate confirmation, and the official paperwork within three to four business days.