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Boating schools in Croatia
In short
Every motorboat needs a certificate regardless of engine power, and every sailing boat over 3 metres.
When a certificate is required
Every motorboat whatever its engine power, and every sailing boat over 3 metres in length.
Duration and minimum age
Two days of theory, examination on the third day, no practical test. 16 for category B, with restrictions below that.
What a course costs
Around 160 to 400 euros through schools in Austria and Croatia.
Who issues the certificate
Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, examined by the harbour master offices, mmpi.gov.hr
Finding a school
Where the boating schools in Croatia are listed
No list of single schools, it dates within a season. We name the bodies that keep the registers.
Harbour offices
Lučka kapetanija
The harbour master offices conduct the examinations and name the approved training centres.
mmpi.gov.hrSailing association
Hrvatski jedriličarski savez
Clubs and sailing schools along the Adriatic.
www.hjs.hrThe certificates
What each certificate covers
Voditelj brodice kategorija A
Inshore passages, smaller boats
Voditelj brodice kategorija B
Boats up to 18 metres, up to 12 nautical miles, with VHF authority
Zapovjednik jahte
Yachtmaster for larger vessels
Context
How training works in Croatia
Croatia is a special case, because most people who hold the Croatian coastal certificate do not live in Croatia. Courses run largely in Vienna, Graz, Munich and online; the examination follows Croatian law and the certificate is issued by the harbour master. Two days of theory, examination on the third, no practical test.
Since July 2025 newly issued category B certificates state plainly what they cover: boats up to 18 metres, 12 nautical miles offshore, with VHF authority. That settles an old argument at the charter bases. Think about the deposit before you think about the certificate: between 1,500 and 5,000 euros is normal there, and a grounding in a bay is not a rare event.
Recognition, charter, cover
What the certificate means outside the classroom
Recognition abroad
The Austrian FB2 with a radio ticket counts as equivalent to category B. Foreign sea certificates are recognised for visitors, usually together with a coastal certificate.
What the charter base asks for
Bases check the original, not a copy. On many yachts a second crew member has to show a certificate too, and a radio ticket is expected.
All countries at a glanceWhat matters for cover
The Adriatic is the busiest charter ground in Europe. Chartering calls for charter cover for the deposit, skipper liability and trip cancellation, not for boat insurance.
All countries at a glanceQuestions and answers
Common questions about boating in Croatia
Do I need a boating licence in Croatia?
Yes, for every motorboat whatever its power and for every sailing boat over three metres.
Is a foreign sea certificate enough?
It is recognised for visitors, but charter bases usually expect a coastal certificate and a radio ticket as well.
What does the Croatian coastal certificate cost?
Through schools in Austria and Croatia usually between 160 and 400 euros, with two course days and the examination on the third.
Last reviewed: 27 September 2026. The authority of the country you boat in has the final word.
We insure boats whose owner or flag is in Germany, Austria or Spain.
Other countries
Do you run a boating school?
A training boat runs commercially, with a liable instructor: that needs its own arrangement.
