Boat Licence & International Certificate of Competence

They call me, “El Capitán”…

I recently obtained additional yachting/boating qualifications, mainly just so I’m certified to skipper/pilot/charter larger vessels on the ocean worldwide. At the end of last summer, while in Spain, I acquired my International Certificate of Competence, the RYA Powerboat card and Spanish Boat Licence. This involves demonstrating competencies in maritime navigation, craft and engine operation, various manoeuvres including man-overboard rescue, protocols and procedures, maritime law, radio operation, safety, etc. As a qualified skipper, at this level I can legally captain a large powerboat with crew and passengers, but usually it’s just me (Skipper) and my First Mate (aka wife). Adventure awaits…

Powerboat cruising on the Med around the volcanic landscape of Cabo de Gata, dropped anchor at Cala Montoya

A powerboat is the ultimate vector for exploring the beautiful sapphire Mediterranean sea. It’s the easiest way to reach the most secluded beaches and coves along the coastline and islands of the Med, and often the only methodology for accessing the best locations for scuba, snorkelling and deep-sea big-game fishing, or doing recon along coastal hunting grounds.

I’ve always loved the ocean. The first overseas vacation I ever bought was to Cyprus, right after I graduated — a solo trip for the exclusive purpose of obtaining my PADI Open Water diving certification. Soon afterwards I obtained my Advanced diver card in Egypt on the Red Sea, and I’ve logged many dives since then, all over the world, from Europe to Hawaii and beyond.