Can I choose a boat without crew even if I haven’t got a boat licence?

The requirement for a boat licence depends on the kind of boat that you want book, so in come cases you can choose a boat without a crew even if you haven’t got a boat licence, but you must respect the requirements of the law, that will specify when a boat licence is compulsory.

A boat licence is mandatory for boats over 24metres long and for all boats if they are used:

- for distances over 6 miles from the coast, for jet-skis and for water skiing.

- for sailing on inland waters and for sailing in the sea within 6 miles from the coast, if you have a motor with an engine over 750cc if the boat is a 2-stroke non-fuel injected, or over 1.000 cc if the boat is a 4-stroke non-fuel injected, or over 1.300 cc if the boat is a 4-stroke fuel injected, or over 2.000 cc if the boat is a diesel cycle, in any case with a power over 30 kw or over 40,8 cv.

However, when a boat licence isn’t required (for example for boating within 6 miles from the coast with a boat under 24 metres long and with a motor within the limits specified in the previous paragraph) you must respect these additional requisites:

- you must be at least 16 years old to drive a boat less than 10 metres long

- you must be at least 18 years old to drive a boat between 10 and 24 metres long

- you must be at least 14 years to use a sail boat with a sail surface area greater than four square metres, as well as for row boats over 1 mile from the coast.

In summary, you can choose a boat without a crew even if you haven’t got a boat licence if you are over the minimum ages required, if the boat is under 24 metres long if you stay within 6 miles from the coast and have a motor on board with less power 30 kw or 40,8 cv.