Jet Ski Regulations in Croatia
Planning a yacht charter in Croatia and wondering if you can legally operate a jet ski? You’re in the right place. Croatian maritime law requires a valid skipper’s license to operate any personal watercraft (PWC), including jet skis—even if you’re just cruising along the coast.
Not all foreign licenses are accepted, but many are. Below, we’ve created a clear, easy-to-scan table of all the internationally recognized certificates accepted in Croatia.
What License Do You Need?
To legally operate a jet ski in Croatia, you must have one of the following:
-
Croatian Boat Operator’s License (Category B or higher)
-
A foreign license officially recognized by Croatia Check if your license is valid →
- You must also be at least 18 years old.
We recommend checking your license status before your charter to avoid fines or disruptions.
| Country | Authority | Certificate(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Prefectura Naval Argentina | Patrón de yate vela y motor, Piloto yate vela y motor |
| Australia | Dept. of Transport WA, South Australia, Queensland | Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST), Boat Operator’s Licence, Marine Licence Verification Certificate |
| Austria | ÖSV, MSVÖ, via donau | Yacht Master (1–4), ICC (C/M/S) |
| Belgium | Federal Mobility & Transport | Algemeen Stuurbrevet, Certificate of Yacht Navigator |
| Brazil | Autoridade Marítima Brasileira | Arrais Amador, Mestre Amador, Capitão Amador |
| Bulgaria | Maritime Administration | Skipper up to 40 GT, Pleasure Craft up to 300 GT |
| Canada | IYT, Sail Canada | Bareboat Skipper, Yachtmaster, ICC |
| Chile | Dirección General del Territorio Marítimo | Patrón deportivo, Capitán deportivo, Capitán de alta mar |
| Czech Republic | Ministry of Transport | Yacht Skipper (A–C), ICC |
| Denmark | Danish Maritime Authority | Dueligheds-prøve, Yacht Master 1st/3rd Class |
| Estonia | Maritime Authorities | ICC (Sea & Inland) |
| Finland | Maritime Authority | ICC (C/M/S) |
| France | Ministry of Ecology | Permis Plaisance (Côtière, Hauturière) |
| Germany | DSV, DMYV | SBF See, SKS, SSS, SHS |
| Hungary | Inspectorate of Transport | ICC Categories I–IV |
| Iceland | Transport Authority | ICC for Pleasure Craft |
| Ireland | Irish Sailing Association | Day Skipper, Yachtmaster, ICC |
| Israel | Ministry of Transport | Skipper Class 11–60 |
| Italy | Capitanerie, Motorizzazione | Patente Nautica (≤24m/>24m) |
| Latvia | Road Traffic Safety Directorate | C1, C2, C3 |
| Lithuania | Maritime Safety Admin | Boat Operator, Yachtmaster, Coastal Skipper |
| Luxembourg | Ministry of Transport | Category 1 (Coastal), Category 2 (High Seas) |
| Montenegro | Harbor Captains | Yacht Skipper up to 30/100/500 BT |
| Netherlands | CBR, VAMEX | Vaarbewijs I & II |
| New Zealand | NZ Coastguard | Day Skipper, Ocean Yachtmaster |
| Norway | Sjøfartsdirektoratet | Boatman's Proof, D5L, D5LA |
| Poland | Yachting & Motorboat Associations | Sternik, Kapitan, Mechanik |
| Portugal | IPTM | Carta de Marinheiro, Patrão de Costa, Alto Mar |
| Romania | Naval Authority | ICC – Classes A, B, C |
| Russia | Russian Ministry | Small Craft Operator Certificates |
| Serbia | Ministry of Infrastructure | Boat Operator Certificate |
| Slovakia | Ministry of Transport | Skipper – A, B, C |
| Slovenia | Maritime Authority | Voditelj čolna, Poveljnik jahte |
| South Africa | SA Sailing | Day Skipper, Yachtmaster Offshore |
| Spain | Marina Mercante | Patrón, Capitán de Yate |
| Sweden | NFB | Förarintyg, Kustskeppar, Utsjöskeppar |
| Switzerland | CCS, SYA | ICC, Yachtmaster |
| Turkey | Ministry of Transport | Amateur Seafarer Certificate |
| United Kingdom | RYA, MCA | ICC, Day Skipper, Yachtmaster |
| United States | US Sailing, ASA, NauticEd | Basic Keelboat, SLC, Yachtmaster |
What If You Don’t Have a License?
If you don’t have a license, you have 3 options:
- Take the test in Croatia – Get your Boat Operator Category B license at an authorized training center. Available in most major coastal cities (Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar)
- Hire a licensed jet ski instructor or guide – Some water sports centers offer guided rides legally
- Skip the jet ski – and enjoy other water toys like seabobs, SUPs, or snorkeling gear — no license required
We recommend planning ahead — getting licensed takes time and isn’t always possible during short charters.
Jet Ski Rules to Know (Even If You’re Licensed)
- Must stay 300 meters from the shore
- Within that zone: ride slowly and safely
- Always wear a life jacket
- Jet ski must be properly insured (included in most charters)
- Personal jet skis require a Vignette (approx. €50) + Croatian insurance
