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  5. Boat Leader Licence Category C

4 DAYS – 3 DAYS OF THEORY + 1 DAY OF PRACTICAL DOCKING

BOAT SKIPPER CATEGORY C

4-day theoretical and practical course preparing you for the Boat Skipper Category C licence exam — the internationally recognised qualification for commercial and private navigation.

Course Details

Boat Skipper Licence Category C

Duration

4 days
3 days theory + 1 day practical docking

Locations

Theory: Adria Libar – Rijeka
Practice: Punat

Vessel

Salona 45 (2003)

Group size

Minimum 4 participants

Exam: At the Harbour Master's Office in Senj or Rijeka (depending on captain availability).

What You Will Learn

  • Master navigation, chartwork and passage planning
  • Understand regulations, COLREG rules and requirements of commercial navigation
  • Adopt meteorology, risk assessment and safety procedures
  • Learn to use VHF/DSC devices and communication protocols
  • Become familiar with vessel/yacht construction, systems and maintenance
  • Practice key maneuvers through practical training at sea
  • Prepare for the theoretical and practical exam for Category C

Course Programme

1 Navigation & Chartwork

Days 1–3 · Rijeka – Adria Libar

  • Navigation and position fixing
  • Work on nautical charts, courses and distances
  • Nautical publications, lighthouses and marks
  • Passage planning and safety assessments

2 Regulations, COLREG & Safety

Days 1–3 · Rijeka – Adria Libar

  • Maritime regulations and navigation rules
  • COLREG – collision avoidance
  • Requirements for commercial navigation
  • Safety equipment and emergency procedures

3 Meteorology, VHF/DSC & Vessel Systems

Days 1–3 · Rijeka – Adria Libar

  • Meteorology, forecast analysis and risk assessment
  • Use of VHF/DSC devices and communication procedures
  • Vessel/yacht construction, engines and basic maintenance
  • Preparation for the theoretical and practical exam

4 Practical Docking Training

Day 4 · Punat – Salona 45

  • Maneuvering the vessel in real conditions
  • Stern and alongside docking, departure and anchoring
  • Application of safety procedures during navigation
  • Final preparation for the practical part of the exam

Note: The course programme may change depending on weather conditions. The instructor will adapt the plan if necessary to ensure the highest possible level of safety and course quality.

Authorisations – Boat Skipper Category C

  • Operation of all boats and yachts up to 18 meters in length
  • Operation of vessels for private and commercial purposes (charter, bareboat rental, commercial activities)
  • Transport of passengers, cargo and equipment
  • Commercial navigation, tourist cruises, workboats and fishing operations
  • Navigation without zone limitation, in accordance with vessel registration
  • Navigation in internal sea waters, territorial sea and waters accessible from the sea
  • Command of the vessel and management of the crew
  • Responsibility for the safety of the vessel, passengers and crew
  • Handling of navigation, safety and communication systems (VHF/DSC)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Category B and Category C?

Category C is the full commercial licence. It allows you to captain charter yachts, transport passengers and cargo, and navigate without zone restrictions. Category B covers private use only, up to 12 NM from the coast.

Is prior experience required?

Basic boating experience is recommended for Category C as the course covers advanced commercial navigation topics. The practical day on the Salona 45 requires you to maneuver the vessel confidently.

Where does the theory take place?

The 3-day theoretical part is held at Adria Libar in Rijeka, a certified maritime training institution. Day 4 practical docking training takes place in Punat on a Salona 45 sailing yacht.

What if weather conditions change?

The course programme may be adjusted by the instructor based on weather. Safety is the priority and the practical session will be rescheduled if conditions are unsuitable.