FAQ

The Boat Skipper Category B licence allows you to operate motorboats, sailing yachts, and personal watercraft up to 18 meters in length within 12 nautical miles from the Croatian coast.
The licence also includes authorization to use a VHF marine radio, which is part of the exam. It is valid for life and widely recognized by Croatian and international charter companies.

This licence covers all the essential competences a recreational skipper needs:

• Navigation and chartwork up to 12 nautical miles from the coast,

• International Collision Regulations (COLREGs) – rules of the road at sea,

• Maritime law and Croatian regulations governing small craft, safety zones, and responsibilities of the skipper,

• Safety and seamanship (anchoring, maneuvering, emergency procedures),

• Engines and fire protection (basic maintenance, fuel, cooling and firefighting equipment),

• Meteorology – interpreting forecasts relevant to coastal navigation,

• Maritime radiotelephony (VHF) – procedures, distress, urgency, and safety communication. VHF radio communication is part of the exam and included in the licence itself.

It is a theoretical exam only (no practical sailing test), but preparation is crucial – many candidates underestimate the breadth of topics, especially navigation and regulations.

This licence is valid for life, recognized by charter companies in Croatia and often accepted internationally across the Mediterranean.
For anyone wishing to rent a yacht or safely operate their own boat in Croatia, the Boat Skipper Category B is the most practical and cost-effective choice.

Yes. With a Skipper B licence you can legally rent and operate yachts up to 18 meters in Croatia.
Most charter companies require at least this certificate, as it covers both boat operation and VHF radio communication, making it the standard licence for yacht charter holidays.

The state exam fee is around €110, including administrative costs.
If you choose a preparation course, training prices vary depending on the provider, usually between €150–€400, and include manuals, materials, and practice tests.

The exam is organized by the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.
You can take it at the Ministry in Zagreb or at local Harbor Master’s Offices along the coast, including Pula, Rijeka, Senj, Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Ploče and Dubrovnik.

Candidates must register for the exam by contacting the Harbor Master’s Office or the Ministry via phone or email.

Most candidates need about 2–3 days of preparation to cover all exam subjects.
With a structured Online or Individual course, preparation is efficient because the exam is theoretical only, with the most challenging topics being navigation and maritime regulations.

A professional course usually includes:

• an E-manual (study book in English),

• video lessons and presentations,

• nautical chart exercises,

• practice test questions,

• and instructions for applying for the exam.

Some courses also provide rope for practicing nautical knots.

BOATSKIPPERCOURSE E – Manual provides all mentioned above.

No. A medical certificate is not required for the Skipper B exam in Croatia.
You only need to submit your application form, copy of ID or passport and driving licence, photos, and proof of payment of state fees.

Yes. The Skipper B exam can be taken in English as well as Croatian.
This makes it especially popular with foreigners from the EU, UK, USA, and beyond who want to obtain a licence while sailing in Croatia.

You can complete the exam in one day. The license is typically issued within 0–3 working days after passing the exam.

To apply, contact the nearest Harbour Master’s Office or the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure in Zagreb.

👉 Find Harbour Master’s Offices – HERE

👉 Ministry of the Sea – HERE

To charter a boat or yacht in Croatia, you must hold a valid Boat Skipper License and a VHF Radio Operator Certificate in accordance with Croatian maritime law.
👉 See the list of recognized licenses in Croatia – HERE

If you don’t currently hold the required licenses, you have two options:

• Obtain a Boat Skipper License Category B by passing the exam in Croatia

• Hire a professional skipper for your charter

Yes – if you pass the exam for Category B, the VHF Certificate is included.
If you passed a different license without VHF, you can take the VHF RTF exam separately by applying at the Harbour Master’s Office and paying an additional fee.

Category A

• Operates boats up to 7 meters with engines up to 15 kW

• Navigation area: up to 6 NM from coast or islands

• Minimum age: 15 years

Category B

• Operates pleasure boats and yachts up to 18 meters

• Navigation area: up to 12 NM, including international waters

• Maximum 12 passengers

• Minimum age: 16 years

Category C

• Operates any vessel up to 18 meters

• Navigation area: global (unrestricted)

• Requires theoretical course and practical training (25 + 6 hours) at an authorized Maritime Training School

1. Completed Application Form

2. Two recent photos (3 × 3.5 cm)

3. Copy of Passport or ID and Driving Licence

4. Proof of state fee payment for Category B (€108,83)

No. Attending a course is not mandatory. According to the Ordinance on Boats and Yachts, you may register for the exam independently.

However, if you lack nautical experience or knowledge, we strongly recommend using professional materials – such as our E-Manual – or enrolling in a certified group course to ensure success.

Boat Skipper License – Category B

With a Category B license, you are authorized to:

• Operate a pleasure boat/yacht or a bareboat charter yacht up to 18 meters

• Navigate in Area III, which includes international waters, with a restriction of up to 12 nautical miles (NM) from the nearest coast or island

• Operate vessels without limitation on engine power

• Professionally operate:

  • Passenger vessels in navigation areas IIIb (3 NM), IIIc (1 NM), and IV

  • Cargo and fishing vessels for economic purposes in areas III, IIIa, IIIb, IIIc, and IV

📌 Minimum age requirement: 16 years

Boat Skipper License – Category A

With a Category A license, you are authorized to:

• Operate a pleasure boat up to 7 meters in length, with an engine power of up to 15 kW (20 HP)

• Navigate in Area IIIa, limited to 6 nautical miles (NM) from the nearest coast or island

• Act as a crew member (not the skipper) on:

  • Passenger vessels in areas IIIb, IIIc, and IV

  • Cargo and fishing vessels in areas III, IIIa, IIIb, IIIc, and IV

📌 Minimum age requirement: 15 years