BOAT MASTER COURSE — International Motorboat License (ISSA)
Do you dream of operating a fast motorboat, enjoying water sports like water skiing, or coastal fishing? The Boat Master course is your entry point into the world of powerboating. Available from age 16, with no previous sea experience required.
The international license awarded upon completion permits you to operate fast motor vessels up to 12 meters in length, up to 10 nautical miles from the coastline, during daytime hours only.
What You Will Learn
Comprehensive 4-day training: 2 days of hands-on practical sailing and onboard theory, combined with 2 days of theoretical classes.
Marine radio certification included: as a mandatory requirement for graduation, this course fully integrates the official SRC/VHF marine communication course.
Minimum capacity: 3 participants per group.
Options & Costs
Group Course
- Minimum 3 participants per group
- 4 intensive days
- Full SRC/VHF course included
Private Course (up to 2)
- Fully personal attention
- Flexible scheduling
- Full SRC/VHF course included
Passing the test is a mandatory condition for receiving the certificate.
Course at a Glance
Who the course is for
Suitable from age 16 and up with no previous sea experience — intended mainly for those who want to operate a fast motorboat close to shore, for example for water sports, coastal fishing or day trips.
Course duration
4 days — two days of practical sailing with onboard theory, plus two days of shore-based theory that also include the SRC/VHF marine radio course.
Training vessel
A fast motorboat, up to 12 metres in length.
Licence / certificate awarded
An ISSA international licence for fast motorboats, including the SRC/VHF marine radio certificate (delivered as part of the course).
Where the licence is valid
The licence is valid for daytime sailing only, in sea conditions up to Beaufort 6 and up to 10 nautical miles from the coast. It meets the requirements of the ICC standard (International Certificate of Competence), established under Resolution No. 40 of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee and officially recognised in some 22 countries, most of them in Europe. In practice the licence is also accepted by yacht charter companies, marinas and port authorities across the Mediterranean basin (including Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Italy and Spain), in the Caribbean and in South-East Asia. Read more in our article What is a skipper license.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The course is open to complete beginners from age 16 and up, with no previous experience required.
The licence permits daytime sailing only, up to 10 nautical miles from the coast, in sea conditions up to Beaufort 6, on a motorboat up to 12 metres.
A minimum of 3 participants is required to open a course, in a small group that allows personal attention for every student.