Skippered or bareboat rental

With a skippered rental, you arrange the trip with the person operating the boat. Before booking, check whether the listing includes a skipper or whether that service is arranged separately. For an overnight trip, ask about the skipper's accommodation and expenses.

If you want to operate the boat yourself, consider your experience with that type of boat and the intended route. Clarify the required documents and handover conditions with the partner before paying.

Croatia's Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure publishes a list of recognised boat and yacht certificates on its Nautics page. Compare the exact name of your certificate with the requirements for the chosen boat and sailing area. Ask the relevant harbour master's office or the Ministry if anything is unclear.

Give the partner the details needed for their checks in advance and establish which original documents to bring. Holding a boating qualification does not establish that it covers every rental.

Check the listing for fuel, skipper services and mooring costs. For extra equipment, ask whether it is included, needs to be arranged in advance or has a separate charge. Request clarification for anything not covered by the stated price.

Check the deposit and its return conditions separately. Keep the agreement so you can compare the terms with your booking at handover.

Ask the partner or skipper to show you the safety equipment and explain what to do if something goes wrong. Check that the equipment suits everyone aboard, including children. Record the condition of the boat and fuel level at handover.

Before leaving, check the official marine forecast and warnings. Agree on departure and the route with the partner or skipper in light of sea conditions and instructions from the authorities.

Before booking, read how the partner handles a trip that must be changed or cancelled. Check whether another date, an alternative route or a refund is offered, and on what terms. Hiring a skipper does not itself guarantee a particular route or departure.

Confirm the return location and time, and how fuel is charged. Ask whether you need to visit a fuel station before returning and where the partner carries out the final inspection. If plans change during the rental, contact the partner while there is still time to make arrangements.