Bareboat charter companies require a resume that details your boating experience. Companies that believe your experience is insufficient will require you to hire a captain at your own cost; that can be quite expensive, depending on the length of the journey. Some websites offer sample sailing resumes that evaluate your experience and predict whether you'll be allowed to bareboat charter. Certain charter companies prefer years of hands-on experience on the water over boating classes, while some companies require a certificate.
A bareboat charter certificate from an accredited boating school is a handy piece of paperwork that will prove to companies that you have at least some basic bareboating knowledge. In order to take a bareboat charter class for the certificate, you must also pass Basic Cruising, a class offered by the American Sailing Association and US Sailing. Bareboat charter classes are typically held on 30-foot to 45-foot sloop-rigged cruising keelboats, usually with a steering wheel rather than a tiller. US Sailing recommends that sailors be able to perform all tasks in winds of at least 15 knots. Individuals are required to show both on-the-water skills and practical skills such as navigating, planning and engine maintenance. Some schools offer intensive live-aboard classes that last for several days and come with bareboat certification.
If you're considering a bareboat charter, you should be fluent in all aspects of seamanship, from performing a man-overboard routine to properly identifying markers and buoys. In addition to skills like anchoring, mooring and navigating, you should be capable of dealing with emergency situations such as galley fires and equipment failure. If you or the charter company aren't completely confident with your boating skills, you will need to hire a captain or a full crew.
Bareboat charter companies will require that you return the boat in the same condition you got it in. Treat the rented boat with the same care and respect you would give your own boat. Keep in mind that you will be financially responsible for damages and that boat repairs are extremely costly. Companies require basic maintenance and care such as covering all sails, charging batteries and oiling the engine. Do not rent a boat that shows any signs of equipment failure, even if it's something as minor as a toilet failing to flush.
