Chartering a Yacht in Greece: Requirements You Need to Know

Greece is one of the world’s premier yacht charter destinations, with the Ionian, the Cyclades, the Saronic Gulf and the Dodecanese offering something for every level of sailor. But if you want to bareboat charter — skipper the boat yourself without a professional aboard — you will need to meet a set of requirements before a company hands over the keys. Getting these sorted in advance is the difference between a smooth check-in and a frustrating delay at the base.

This guide runs through the requirements charterers typically encounter in Greece, why they exist, and what your options are if you don’t yet meet them. Greece sets its own national rules and charter companies add their own conditions, and both can change, so treat this as general orientation and confirm the specifics with your chosen operator and the relevant Greek maritime authority before you book.

Skipper qualifications: ICC or national equivalent

The headline requirement for bareboat chartering in Greece is proof that the skipper can safely handle the yacht. In practice this generally means holding the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or a recognised national equivalent sailing qualification.

The ICC, issued under a UNECE resolution, is widely accepted because it is designed to be portable across borders — which is exactly what a Greek charter company needs when clients arrive from all over the world. If you hold a national licence from your home country, it may be accepted directly, or it may serve as the basis for obtaining an ICC. Because acceptance varies between companies and is shaped by national rules, the single most important step is to confirm with your specific charter company that your document is acceptable for the boat and area you have booked. Do this before paying, not on the dock.

The sailing CV and experience checks

Beyond the certificate itself, Greek charter operators very commonly ask for a sailing CV (sometimes called a sailing résumé). This is a short summary of your relevant experience: the types and sizes of boats you have skippered, the waters you have sailed, how recently, and in what role.

The purpose is simple — a certificate proves you passed a course, but the CV helps the base assess whether you are genuinely comfortable with the specific yacht and cruising area. A larger yacht, a busy area, or challenging conditions may prompt more scrutiny. Be honest and specific: overstating your experience helps nobody and can lead to problems on the water. If your experience is light, the company may suggest a check-out sail with a local skipper for the first day, or recommend a fully skippered charter instead.

VHF certificate and competent crew

Two further requirements come up regularly for bareboat charters in Greece:

• VHF/radio operator certificate. Because the yacht carries a VHF radio, the person responsible for it is generally expected to hold an appropriate radio operator qualification. This ensures you can make routine and, crucially, distress calls correctly.
• A second competent crew member. Charter companies commonly expect at least one other capable person aboard who can assist the skipper — for manoeuvring, watchkeeping, and handling an emergency such as the skipper being incapacitated. Some operators formalise this as a “co-skipper” requirement.

Exactly how these are applied varies between operators, so check your company’s policy. If you cannot meet the VHF or competent-crew conditions, that is another reason a skippered option may be the better route.

The skippered charter alternative

If you don’t hold the required qualifications — or simply prefer to relax and let someone else take responsibility — a skippered charter is a popular and straightforward solution. You hire the yacht together with a professional skipper whose qualifications satisfy the requirements, so you generally do not need your own licence.

A local skipper brings real advantages beyond the paperwork: knowledge of the best anchorages, familiarity with local weather patterns like the Aegean Meltemi, help with Mediterranean stern-to mooring, and the reassurance of an expert aboard. For first-time visitors to Greek waters, a skippered charter (or a skipper for just the first day or two) can turn an intimidating trip into a genuinely enjoyable one. Discuss the option with your charter company when you enquire.

Preparing before you arrive

Even with the right certificates in hand, arriving prepared makes your charter safer and more enjoyable. Greek cruising involves frequent harbour approaches, anchoring in busy bays, stern-to mooring that many find unfamiliar, and the seasonal Meltemi that can build quickly in the Aegean. Brushing up on the collision-avoidance rules, anchoring and mooring technique, VHF procedure, weather interpretation and man-overboard recovery pays off from day one.

At boatingexamine, our study platform helps you build and refresh this knowledge through realistic practice questions and structured lessons, so you step aboard confident rather than rusty. We are an independent study resource: we prepare you for the skills and theory, but we do not issue licences, the ICC or charter approvals — those come through the official processes and your charter operator.

Frequently asked questions

What licence do I need to bareboat charter in Greece? Generally an ICC or a recognised national equivalent sailing qualification, usually supported by a sailing CV. Many operators also require a VHF certificate and a competent second crew member. Confirm the exact requirements with your specific charter company before booking.

What if I don’t have a licence? A skippered charter is the common solution: you hire the yacht with a professional skipper whose qualifications cover the boat, so you generally don’t need your own licence. Some visitors also arrange a skipper for just the first day or two.

Do I really need a VHF certificate and a second competent crew member? Both are commonly required for bareboat charters in Greece, though the details vary by operator. Check your charter company’s specific policy, and consider a skippered option if you can’t meet these conditions.