Starting Out at Sea – 5 Things You Should Know Before Getting Your Boating License
Boating is romantic and exciting, but safety requires knowledge. The following 5 points reveal what a boating course gives you, what it doesn’t, and why it’s worth waiting before your first boat rental after getting your license.
A small yacht sits calmly on the sea, with a hillside town visible in the background on a Dalmatian island.
1. Your boating license is only the first step – not the final goal
Earning an ICC+B boating license is an important milestone, but it doesn’t instantly make you an experienced captain. The exam focuses on essential rules, technical knowledge, and maneuvering theory – but real-life sailing presents a completely different set of challenges. Before your first solo trip, we strongly recommend practicing with an experienced skipper and not diving into the unknown alone.
2. Renting a boat as a beginner is risky – don’t go solo
Although your license legally allows you to rent a boat, we don’t recommend sailing alone right after your exam. Unfamiliar harbors, changing winds and currents, crowded mooring areas, and radio communication can all become stressful if you lack real experience. It's much safer and more enjoyable to start your journeys with a skilled mentor or skipper.
3. Practical skills go far beyond the course
A boating course provides an excellent foundation, but true confidence only comes after many hours on the water. That’s why we offer optional maneuver training, where you can practice docking, anchoring, turning, and reversing in a low-stress environment. You can make mistakes here – under instructor supervision and with a learning mindset.
4. A good captain reads the weather – not just the map
Many beginners think that once they know where north is and how to use the radio, they’re ready to sail. But on the sea, weather knowledge is critical. Without understanding wind directions, wave heights, currents, and weather fronts, it’s easy to get into trouble. That’s why our training includes real-life weather interpretation and risk assessment.
5. Freedom at sea begins with a learning process
If the idea of captaining your own yacht in the Adriatic or beyond excites you, you’re on the right track – but freedom at sea begins with responsible decisions. Our goal is not just to help you pass your exam, but to ensure you set sail with safety and confidence.
The course is just your first step. After that comes practice, guided trips, maneuver training – and one day, you'll be standing at the helm, truly on your own.
How to get started?
Have a question?
We’re happy to help – whether it’s about the course, boat rentals, timing, or your first anchor drop. Sidro Nautika doesn’t just teach you how to sail – we’re right there with you at the start of your journey.
If you have any questions, reach out to us at hello@sidronautika.com.
🌊 Freedom at sea is just one decision away.