Boat Licences for Americans: What US Citizens Need to Know Before Renting a Boat in Croatia (2026)
Standard US state boating cards (NASBLA) are not accepted in Croatia. Here's exactly which American certificates work, what to do if yours doesn't, and how to get on the water in Hvar without hassle.
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Table of Contents
The Short Answer
Standard US state boating safety cards — the ones issued through NASBLA-approved courses in states like Florida, California, or New York — are not recognised in Croatia. You cannot use them to rent and drive a motorboat.
But don't worry. There are clear options, and most American visitors to Hvar get on the water without any issue.
Which US Certificates ARE Accepted?
Croatia recognises boating certificates through bilateral agreements (called MoUs) with the Croatian Ministry of the Sea. For the United States, the following certificates are accepted:
ASA 103 (Basic Coastal Cruising) and ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising) — issued by the American Sailing Association
ASA 106 (Advanced Coastal Cruising)
US Sailing certificates — Bareboat Cruising and above
NauticEd certificates — Skipper rank and above
IYT certificates — issued through International Yacht Training (Bareboat Skipper and above)
Boat Licences for Americans in Croatia — 2026 Guide | Boka Boats Hvar
If you hold any of these, bring the original document (not a photocopy or phone screenshot) and you're good to rent a self-drive motorboat in Croatia.
What About NASBLA State Boating Cards?
These are the cards you get after completing a state-mandated boating safety course in the US. While they're required in many US states, Croatia does not accept them as valid boating licences. This is the single most common point of confusion for American visitors.
Why? NASBLA cards certify that you completed a safety awareness course — they don't certify practical boat handling competency, which is what Croatia requires.
What If I Don't Have an Accepted Licence?
You have several great options:
1. Book a Private Tour with Skipper (Most Popular)
The majority of our American guests choose a private skippered tour. You get the exact same experience — choose your route, swim where you want, set the pace — but with a local captain who knows every hidden cove, the best restaurants, and where the water is calmest. No licence needed. Just show up and enjoy.
2. Get an ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
An ICC issued by any country is universally accepted in Croatia — no MoU needed. Some US sailing schools and yacht clubs can help you obtain one. It's worth considering if you plan to boat regularly in Europe.
3. Take the Croatian Boating Exam
Croatia offers a theory-only boating licence exam in Split (held every Monday). Study materials are available in English. This is a good option if you're spending an extended period in Croatia.
Practical Tips for Americans Renting in Hvar
Check your certificate against the accepted list above before you travel
Bring the original — laminated cards, paper certificates, whatever you were issued. Digital copies alone won't work
Book early if you want a skipper — July and August fill up fast
Upload your licence when booking — we'll verify it before you arrive so there are no surprises
VHF radio licence — if the boat has a VHF radio, the operator needs a radio certificate (SRC). Your skipper handles this if you book a skippered option
How It Works with Boka Boats
When you book with us, simply upload a photo of your licence during the booking process. We'll confirm whether it's accepted before your trip — no guessing, no stress at the dock.
If your licence isn't accepted, we'll recommend the best skippered option for your group. Same boats, same routes, same crystal-clear Adriatic water — just with a local expert at the helm.
Still Not Sure?
Message us on WhatsApp with a photo of your certificate and we'll tell you within minutes whether you're cleared to self-drive. No obligation, no sales pitch — just a straight answer from a family that's been renting boats in Hvar since 1987. Or contact us here.
