Licensing References

[joker]

My situation is that I am an American citizen living in Italy. I have just partnered into an Italian registered 44' sailboat. The Italian regs say that a foreigner (me) may 'captain' an Italian registered boat (not for hire), and just comply with the licensing regulations of the home country (USA).

To my knowledge for recreational boating only a safety course is needed, and no license. However, I am expected to carry with me an officially translated copy of an 'official' document that states what the home country requirements are. It is becoming more and more apparent that it may just be easier to get the Italian license (NOT).

Ok, so the question is what is the reference that clearly states something like.....'for recreational boating, a license is not required.'? Or, am I pushing on a rope, and in reality it is only by omission that a license is not required?


Thanks for any help.

 

[Joe]

It sounds like the Italians are saying if you are licensed in your home country they will honor that.... otherwise you need to have an Italian license. I do not think the spirit of the regulation releases you from having a license if your country doesn't require one. In other words, they want you licensed either by your home country or theirs.

 

[Benny]

As I see it, and you may not want to hear this, your options are to get a USCG Master or Six Pack licese or to get the italian license. We have never had to do this when chartering in Europe as usually the charter companies get a goverment exemption to license you after a short operating instruction session and a docking test. We have been advised that some countries may accept a USCG Completion Certificate of a Safety Course or a profficiency certificate from a US Sailing Association approved school. You would need to get a feel for how the Italian authorities would consider such certificates.

 

[joker]

Itailain authorities

As I see it, and you may not want to hear this, your options are to get a USCG Master or Six Pack licese or to get the italian license. We have never had to do this when chartering in Europe as usually the charter companies get a goverment exemption to license you after a short operating instruction session and a docking test. We have been advised that some countries may accept a USCG Completion Certificate of a Safety Course or a profficiency certificate from a US Sailing Association approved school. You would need to get a feel for how the Italian authorities would consider such certificates.

As far as how the Italian authorities would look at it,....depends. Most who would stop me, equivilant to the Coast Guard, don't want the paperwork hastle. If the see something official looking from the USA, they're probably happy. However, I wish to prepare for the worse. I have already owned a sailboat in Italy, but at the time had the fortune to be US flagged.

The 'new' law apparently does not require a license, if you're a foreign citizen. It just requires that you DO comply with what ever requirements may or may not exist in you country.

Since I am not able to attend a course in the US, I do plan on completing the best on-line Safety course that I can, and at least to have that. If anyone has any recommendations let me know.

And thanks for taking the time to post.

 

[MrBee]

What state are you from ? You may be able to go online to your home stae, take a boaters safety course such as needed in some states for PWC or power boats and that card may be enough. Just something to check into. I really have no idea.

Brian

 

[joker]

What state are you from ? You may be able to go online to your home stae, take a boaters safety course such as needed in some states for PWC or power boats and that card may be enough. Just something to check into. I really have no idea.

Brian

Thanks Mr.B,

I think that is what I'll do for now. In the end, I will probably get the Italian boaters license. It seems to be more of a red tape issue than anything else, as the brutally honest truth is that there are MANY Italian boaters with motor yatchs bigger than they should be driving who just knew someone......offered a little bit of a gift....and volà they are now skippers. They drive like it too.

By the way, I will do due diligence and get my license the correct way if needed. I am a commercial airline pilot, and understand the futility of cutting corners.

Thanks