Have you ever thought that having “some kind of license” is enough to go on a sailing trip?
Well… as it often happens at sea – it depends.
In Poland, there are several types of sailing and motorboat licenses. They differ in the range of permissions, types of waters, yacht lengths, and whether you’re steering under sail or on an engine.
Below is a quick and clear guide to sailing licenses. Perfect if you’re planning to charter a yacht with najachty.pl and want to know who exactly is in charge on board.
Yacht Sailor License (Żeglarz Jachtowy) - your first step toward freedom on the water
This is the license most people get when they begin their sailing journey.
It grants the right to:
It’s an ideal starting point for anyone dreaming of their first cruise on the Masurian Lakes.
Still, it’s best to head out with someone experienced at first, that way your newly earned license quickly turns into real skills and confidence at the helm.
A practical note:
Although the Yacht Sailor License officially grants specific permissions, not all charter companies accept it, especially abroad.
Before booking a yacht, always check whether the operator recognizes your license. This will help you avoid stress on-site and prevent cancellations.
Yacht Skipper License (Jachtowy Sternik Morski)
This is a step higher. To obtain it, you need documented sea experience.
It grants the right to:
Yacht Captain License (Kapitan Jachtowy)
This means full freedom on seas and oceans.
It grants the right to:
This license is usually held by people who truly live and breathe sailing - the kind who say that “a storm is just more wind” and know where every screw on deck is.
And what about motorboats? Marine Motorboat Skipper License (Motorowodny Sternik Morski)
If you’re more into motor catamarans, RIBs, powerboats and fast rides over waves, the motorboat license is worth considering.
It grants the right to:
A great option for those who prefer speed over working the sheets.
People holding the Yacht Skipper or Yacht Captain license formally gain similar motorboat rights, but only on paper.
In practice, it’s better to apply for the appropriate motorboat license to avoid confusion or problems during charter or in ports.
So who can be called a skipper?
A skipper is not a rank - it’s a role.
It’s the person who formally commands the yacht during the trip, regardless of whether they hold a skipper, or captain license (as long as it meets the legal requirements for the given country and yacht size).
You can have a Yacht Skipper acting as the skipper of your cruise,
but you can also have a skipper who holds a license but lacks experience and absolutely should not be in charge.
That’s why at najachty.pl we work with experienced skippers.
This way, you can be certain your cruise is led by someone who knows how to take care of the crew’s safety and, just as important for you as charter guests, knows the ports, the best bays, and the great local restaurants.
Do you want to sail on your own or with our skipper?
Sailing a yacht yourself is incredibly rewarding, but a trip with a skipper has its own unique advantages.
If you already have a license and feel confident behind the helm - great! We’ll help you choose a yacht so you can enjoy the freedom of the water without unnecessary stress.
But if you’re just starting out or simply want to focus on relaxing rather than handling lines and docking - choose a cruise with a skipper.
It’s an ideal option for those who want to explore, unwind and have fun, leaving all the “sailing work” to a professional.
Safety, ease, and full care on board that’s what holidays with a good skipper look like.
One last reminder:
Requirements for licenses vary depending on the country and the charter operator.
Before booking a yacht, always check what documents are needed. This will help you avoid surprises on arrival.
If you’re unsure about the rules in a specific region, write to us - we’ll check it for you.
