Bareboat Skipper Course

Learn to skipper in this International Bareboat Skipper Course and become an internationally recognised bareboat skipper/day skipper as you gain the knowledge, skill, and experience to take command of a yacht and crew. Qualify to charter a yacht in the Mediterranean and sail with confidence. 

As you learn the ropes (literally) you will enjoy the sailing life as we sail to Wyndham Harbour for a hot shower and dinner from 3030 Boulevard. Day 2 of the crew course takes us to the Port Phillip Heads and learn to navigate the Rip safely before we head to nearby Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club for a drink on the club deck, BBQ, or during winter by the open fire. On Day 3 your skills are tested as we navigate up the Coles Channel and sail up the bay to Docklands – which will really test your boat handling. Stay overnight at Docklands. Our last day includes some special challenges and the assessment. Each morning includes about 90 minutes’ theory.

Along the way you will get plenty of hours behind the big wheel. You will learn how to prepare, avoid problems and support your crew. You will master essential navigation, weather, buoyage, and passage planning. 

Both the International Crew and Bareboat Skipper attend the same course, but have different roles and learning outcomes. This is ideal for couples and families that have different levels of experience.

Candidates who pass the Bareboat Skipper Practical Course, complete the theory exam, have completed 200 miles and 10 days sailing (1 day = 8 hours), and have a VHF Certificate qualify for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) which is required for chartering in many parts of the world. Much of this mileage will be gained during this course.

In order to take the IYT Bareboat Skipper course, you must have completed the IYT International Crew or RYA Competent Crew course. Apart from meeting the requirements of the accrediting body, this pre-requisite is important as participants have often over-estimated their ability and experience and failed the practical course.

If you have not completed a crew course but have significant sailing experience, then you may be able to gain Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by completing our Direct Entry Process. You will need to have logged 200 NM of sea time, provide your log, make a declaration and pass the International Crew Theory exam. We have a mini-course that takes you through this RPL process. You should complete this process at least 2 weeks prior to the course.

If in doubt, give me a ring to discuss.

To complete the Bareboat Skipper course you will need a VHF Marine Radio Licence (SROCP) which can be obtained through us.

The theory component of the Bareboat Skipper Course is currently provided at no cost either through the handbook, or using the IYT e-learning. You can undertake the theory before or after the practical, and should take the exam after your practical crew course.

Course pre-requisites apply (either your prior experience or previous courses).

After successfully passing this course you will be competent to:

• Command of a vessel up to a maximum length of 24 metres.
• In daylight hours
• In coastal waters up to 15NM offshore
• In fair conditions with moderate wind and sea conditions

The lower cost is for a shared berth in a cabin or a saloon berth. A saloon berth is a lounge in the main cabin that converts to a comfy bed. Single berths subject to availability. Couples share a private cabin.