2006-09-25 09:20:12 · 8 answers · asked by aronlamerson 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
In general, the licence that is required in your own country is sufficient to sail around the world in your own boat.
If you are a US citizen and own a US boat, then you do not need any licence to sail around the world. Your boat does need to be federally documented with the US Coast Guard, however.
Also, a certification is not required, but it is a good idea. If you are a sailor, look into the courses by US Sailing or ASA. If you are a powerboater, look into the Coast Guard boating safety courses, or a US Power Squadron course. If you ever want to charter a yacht for a vacation, the charter companies will look for these certifications as proof that you know what you are doing with their expensive boat.
If you want to use a single-side band radio (SSB), there are some restricted frequencies you can use without certification, especially for data communications. (Things like SailMail). If you want to use all the frequencies either for voice or data, you need to get a ham radio "Technician Class" licence or better, and possibly some international certifications. Study courses are available from the American Radio Relay league (ARRL).
In Canada, you also do not need a license, but you should take the Coast Guard Power or Sail Squadrons course.
In the UK, you do need a Yachtmaster licence from the MCA or from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), who are authorized by the MCA to test for this licence.
See the links below for pointers to info on all of the above mentioned courses.
Oh yeah, and contrary to what those other answerers say, you do not have to be crazy! Lots of people do it. Pick up a copy of Cruising World magazine for stories and pictures of people who cruise around the world for pleasure under sail. One day, I hope that will be my wife and I! Warning: that magazine is dangerous. It will fuel your dreams and ruin any chance of a happy life on land only. ;-)
2006-09-25 14:22:08 · answer #1 · answered by Edwin H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
None! You just can't have paying passengers on board. You would also be wise to have the boat "documented" with the authorities before going out and about. Be sure to file a "float plan" with various ports of call, too! Could make all the difference.
Yankee sailor is a good safety source and knows what he's talkin' bout. Read the magazines he mentioned.
Fair winds and calm seas, my friend!
2006-09-27 21:54:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boats are registered by state and federal. Registration is needed. Licensing for boat drivers is required by state if you were born after 1976. Doing some crewing on ocean going vessels is reccommended.
2006-09-25 10:46:54 · answer #3 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Edwin's got it..with Dallas' addition that you cant carry passengers w/o a license....and Edwin's right about reading Cruising World.....LOTS of people do it....start your trips short and your boat small and go for it
2006-09-26 01:39:00 · answer #4 · answered by yankee_sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to show you have property rights to the boat, and the boat must be legally registered ... Other than that ... Well it's your skin... Jim
2006-09-25 09:31:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
one certificate from the loony bin
2006-09-25 11:35:19 · answer #6 · answered by Bushit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NONE!!!! GO FOR IT... JUST CAN'T HAVE PASSENGERS..
2006-09-25 15:55:17 · answer #7 · answered by Dallas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely none! Good luck and please, make me your next of kin.
2006-09-25 09:50:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋