Do you need a boating licence when chartering with crew?
No. When you charter a yacht with crew, the certified captain drives the vessel. So you do not need a sailing licence or practical experience. However, if you want, the captain can let you be involved in planning the route or explain basic manoeuvres. Please note: a certificate may be required locally for driving certain tenders or water scooters. You can read more about this under Safety and conduct.
Booking process, contract and payment terms
The process is streamlined so you have quick clarity on availability, price and conditions.
1. Application and advice: you share your travel dates, desired destination and group composition. We will advise you on suitable yachts, such as the 27m Queen Martina for 8 guests or the 55m Reliance for 12 guests, including crew.
2. Option and proposal: you will receive a bespoke proposal setting out the charter fee, an estimate of the APA and any VAT.
3. Signing the contract: once agreed, you will receive a MYBA or equivalent charter contract setting out all the details regarding the yacht, the period, costs and cancellation terms. You will also complete a preferences form detailing your requirements regarding the menu, wines, wellness and water sports.
4. Payments: it is standard practice to pay a 50 per cent deposit of the charter price upon signing the contract. The balance of the charter price, plus VAT and the APA, is payable closer to the departure date. Payment is usually made by bank transfer. For last-minute bookings, 100 per cent may be payable immediately. Would you like to draw up a full cost breakdown in advance? See Budgeting for a crewed yacht charter (sample budget).
5. Preparation: our team and the skipper will finalise your itinerary, book berths and arrange provisions via the APA. You will receive practical boarding details and the crew’s contact details.
Cost structure at a glance
The total charter price consists of several components. The summary below gives you an instant overview.
Want a quick indication by destination, season and yacht size? Contact our team for an up-to-date price estimate. Many travellers also ask whether fuel is included; that is usually covered by the APA and charged on actual consumption.
| Post | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Charter fee | Yacht charter, professional crew, standard insurance and basic on-board facilities. |
| APA (30-40 per cent) | Prepaid expenses such as fuel, provisioning, drinks, harbour fees, tenders and communications. Actual consumption is settled. |
| VAT/VAT and others | VAT or local VAT depending on sailing area and flag, any delivery or repositioning fees and optional gratuities. |
Want to know exactly how these components work? Read Cost of a superyacht charter: explanation of APA, VAT and gratuities.
Find more background on the advance payment scheme here: How APA works on a yacht charter.
Insight into tax rules per sailing area? Check the current VAT rate for yacht charter with crew.
Insurance, deposit and liability
The yacht is hull and third-party insured in accordance with commercial charter standards. You are responsible for personal travel and cancellation insurance and medical cover. Damage caused by negligence or failure to follow safety instructions may be borne by the charterer, usually through the APA. An additional deposit or credit card guarantee may be required for specific yachts or water toys. Details are in the contract.
What's included on board and service levels
You benefit from full-service hospitality. Think suites with private bathrooms, housekeeping, luxury linen, climate control, WiFi where available, and 24/7 care by a professional crew with captain, chef and stewards. The chef creates menus based on your preferences. Watersports equipment varies by yacht and may include jet skis, seabobs, SUPs and snorkelling gears. Example: Premura features extensive toys, while Queen Martina excels in family comfort. Exact inventory and services vary from ship to ship and can be found in the specification of the chosen yacht. Want to know what's included and not included as standard? Check out What's included in a superyacht charter.
Safety and behaviour on board: what are the rules?
Safety always comes first. The captain is legally responsible for ship and guests and has the final say on route and activities based on weather, sea conditions and local regulations. Here are the main requirements and rules of conduct:
- Footwear and interiors: preferably wear soft, clean boat shoes or go barefoot. Heeled or black soles are not allowed on deck to avoid damage and streaking.
- Smoking and vaping: only outside in designated areas and never in cabins or indoor areas. Ash-dusters and fire safety are strictly enforced.
- Alcohol and drugs: enjoy responsibly. Illegal substances are prohibited everywhere. The captain can stop activities or go ashore in case of unsafe behaviour.
- Children: always under adult supervision. Life jackets are compulsory at tender rides and wherever the captain deems it necessary.
- Water toys: use only after briefing by crew. Jet skis or PWC require a valid certificate, such as an RYA PWC licence, in many areas. Some yachts can organise a temporary RYA guest certificate on board, if conditions and flag state allow.
- Swimming and night rules: no night swimming or swimming during engine or anchorage procedures. Follow crew instructions when using swim ladders and tenders.
- Guest limit: on most charter yachts there is a maximum of 12 guests according to international passenger rules, regardless of size. Additional day visitors only in consultation with the captain.
- Environment and privacy: respect protected areas, local anchorage rules and privacy of other vessels. Drones only where permitted and after coordination with the captain.
These rules ensure a safe, relaxing experience for you and your party, and help avoid unforeseen costs or delays.
Route, sailing area and sailing times
Your itinerary is tailor-made within the operational and legal limits of the sailing area. Moorings must be available and weather conditions suitable. Night sailing is usually limited and takes place only when operationally and safely justified. The captain may adjust the programme due to weather, port restrictions or authorisation requirements, for example in natural areas on the Croatian coast or along the French Riviera. Your preferences are leading, the final feasibility lies with the captain.
Pets and special requests
Pets are allowed only on request and with prior permission. An additional cleaning fee or deposit may apply and animals are generally not allowed in indoor areas or on soft furnishings. Special requests such as allergen-free menus, fitness accessories or specific wines can be arranged via the preferences form. Please report medical concerns in time for the crew to prepare.
Documents and age requirements
The main charterer is at least 21 years old. You and your fellow guests need valid travel documents, including any visas for the chosen sailing area. Travelling with minors may require additional permission letters. Provide an emergency contact and basic health information in the preferences form. Local age limits apply to alcohol consumption. Business charters through a legal entity may be asked for KYC documentation and UBO information.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications do you need to charter a yacht with crew?
No boating licence. You need a valid ID or passport, must meet payment deadlines and agree to the charter contract. Additional KYC may be required for business bookings.
How big does a yacht need to be before you need a crew?
On luxury charters from about 24 meters , the vessel almost always sails with a professional crew. Crew size follows the Safe Manning Certificate of the flag state.
Can I jet ski without a licence?
Many countries require a PWC or jet ski licence. Some yachts offer an RYA guest course on board, subject to legislation and conditions.
What is the maximum number of guests?
Usually a maximum of 12 guests on commercial charter yachts, regardless of length, unless the yacht is certified for more passengers.
How does tipping crew work?
Tips are optional. Guideline in the luxury charter market is 10-15 per cent of the charter fee, to be divided among the crew via the captain.
