Qualifications, Charter Resumes and Briefings

For a holiday where a professional skipper runs the boat, begin by confirming what guests are expected to do. For a bareboat booking, check the requirements for your nominated skipper before committing to a vessel.

A licence, a sailing qualification and recent practical experience answer different questions. Send the operator the details you have and ask what is needed for your exact boat, location and hire arrangement.

Check both the rules and operator requirements

Licensing rules depend on the jurisdiction and the activity. Do not assume that a commercial hire automatically removes a state requirement, or that an operator’s acceptance makes every licence valid.

Use the state licence pages to reach the responsible authority, then confirm the operator’s assessment and handover process separately. If you hold an interstate or overseas document, provide its name, issuing body and validity dates.

Write a useful sailing resume

Keep it specific and honest. Include:

• Your qualifications, issuing organisations and dates.
• Recent boats sailed, with their approximate size and hull type.
• Dates, sailing areas and trip duration.
• Your role: skipper, watchkeeper, crew or student.
• Relevant experience with docking, anchoring, navigation and boat systems.
• Other capable people travelling with you.
• Areas where you would like instruction or support.

A short voyage table is easier to assess than a broad claim that you are experienced. Include logged mileage if available, and distinguish time as skipper from time as a guest.

Discuss the actual boat

Experience on one type of vessel may not cover every feature of another. Ask about the handling and systems of the boat you are considering, the permitted area and the support available.

If a guide or professional skipper is proposed, confirm their role, how long they stay, who is in charge and where they sleep. Avoid assuming that a brief introduction automatically qualifies you for the rest of a charter.

Make room for the briefing

Ask for the expected briefing and assessment duration when arranging travel. Find out who in your group should attend and what you should read beforehand.

At handover, ask the operator to explain the boat systems, safety equipment, communications, local restrictions, daily procedures and emergency contacts. Request a demonstration if you are unsure and keep the written instructions accessible.

AMSA’s safety management guidance includes additional requirements for hire-and-drive operations, including hirer briefing. Your operator should explain how their procedures apply to your charter.

Agree alternatives before booking

Ask what happens if additional instruction is needed, the nominated skipper is not accepted or conditions prevent handover. Discuss possible alternatives and their booking terms in advance; do not assume another boat or skipper will be available on the day.

If you would prefer a holiday without operating the vessel, explore skippered and crewed charters. For the wider planning process, see the bareboat guide and booking checklist.