What's this exam about?
Category C is where the usual limits disappear. At sea, you are no longer restricted by distance from shore, and the licence is recognised worldwide. This is a professional-level qualification — not just a recreational one — which is why charter companies place greater trust in skippers holding Category C than those with only Category B. It covers sailing yachts, catamarans and motor boats up to 18 meters. If you have been renting on a Category B licence but now want more freedom and longer routes, Category C is the next step.
Preparation and the exam take place in Zadar, on the Croatian coast. The entire course is held in English or German. The exam can be taken from the age of 18, and a medical fitness examination is required at this level — it's included in the price, so you don't need to arrange it separately.
During the preparation, we cover everything you need: advanced navigation, meteorology, VHF radio, complex manoeuvres and maritime safety. Beyond the theory, we spend a few hours on the water, practising the manoeuvres that come up in the exam. The exam itself is held in English — basic English is enough, and we practice the technical vocabulary together beforehand. The price includes the full preparation, study materials, exam fee, medical examination and all administration. All you need to focus on is the exam — leave the rest to me.
- —Sailing boats, catamarans and motorboats
- —Boat length up to 18 meters
- —No distance limit from shore
- —Valid on seas worldwide
- —Passenger capacity: max. 12 people
- —Also authorises VHF radio operation
- —Minimum age: 18 years
This is for you if you are no longer thinking only about coastal sailing, and you feel ready to take the next step — to a bigger boat, longer routes and greater freedom. The Adriatic may still have plenty left for you to discover, or perhaps your heart is already drawn towards Greece or the Mediterranean. With Category C, both directions are open to you.
Fill in the enquiry form or give me a call — I'll get back to you within a day and we'll go through the details together.
You'll receive all the study materials and personal preparation to guide you through. Ask as many questions as you need until you feel fully prepared.
Show up for the exam — I'll be with you, and you'll walk in with confidence. Over 99% of my candidates pass on the first attempt.
After the exam, your licence will be sent to you by post. It usually arrives in about two weeks. Once you receive it, where you sail is entirely up to you.
No exam dates currently available. Please inquire by phone or fill out the contact form!
Is prior qualification required for the C exam?+
There are no prerequisites — you can apply as a beginner, and no previous boating experience is required. The exam can be taken from the age of 18.
How long does the preparation take?+
The entire process takes 4 days. We start on Friday morning with a medical examination, then the preparation begins, and the exam takes place on Monday afternoon — after that, you can head home.
What language is the exam conducted in?+
The preparation is conducted in English or German, but the exam itself is in English — the common language of the maritime world. Basic English is enough: we practice the technical vocabulary together during the preparation so you feel comfortable using it during the exam.
Why is a medical examination required?+
Category C involves greater responsibility — larger boats, longer trips, and open sea. The medical fitness examination is a legal requirement, and it is included in the price, so you don't need to arrange it separately.
What documents are needed for the exam?+
A valid ID card or passport, plus one passport photo, 3×3.5 cm. I handle everything else for you — registration, administration, and official paperwork.
When will I receive the licence?+
After the exam, the harbourmaster's office will mail the licence to you — it takes about 2 weeks, and it will arrive in your mailbox. You do not need to do anything else; I handle the administration for you.
What boats can I operate with a C licence?+
With a C licence, you can operate sailboats, catamarans, and motorboats up to 18 meters — on seas all over the world. This is the level that also opens the door to larger charter boats.
How long is the C licence valid?+
The licence must be renewed every 5 years. This does not mean taking another exam, only a new medical fitness check, which extends the validity of the licence. The renewal process is simple, and I'm happy to help when the time comes — just send me a message, and I'll take care of it.
What is included in the price?+
The price includes the preparation, exam fee, study materials, medical examination, and full administration. You only need to focus on the exam — leave the rest to me.
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