Which sailing certificate is right for you? At in2theblue, 3 training systems are available: German sailing certificates like SKS and SSS, Austrian sailing certificates like FB2 and FB3, and the internationally recognized RYA training from Great Britain. Practical training takes place in the Mediterranean – at Marina Punat (Krk).
At a Glance
- Germany: SBF See, SKS, and SSS – theory with training partner Ritzau-Yachting
- Austria: BFA Binnen, FB2, and FB3 – with training partner Blue-2 The Sailing Academy
- Great Britain: RYA Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, all courses in English
- Radio: SRC radio certificate, mandatory as soon as a radio system is on board
- Practical: Marina Punat (Krk) with small crews and experienced instructors
Three Training Systems – One Common Goal
Learning to sail, expanding your horizons, and eventually skippering a yacht yourself: the path to get there can vary. Besides your personal goals, the desired sailing area, your nationality, your charter plans, and the question of a highly international training play a role.
Whether German SKS, Austrian FB2, or RYA Yachtmaster: all training programs share the same goal – to be safely, competently, and responsibly underway with a yacht. The differences lie primarily in the training structure, the respective national certificates, and the personal application possibilities. in2theblue combines these training paths with an advantage: practical training takes place where sailing is truly enjoyable – in the Mediterranean, at the Punat location on the island of Krk, with numerous training yachts and experienced instructors.
German Sailing Certificates: SBF See, SKS, and SSS
Those who opt for the German training system will primarily find the path via SKS and SSS at in2theblue. Mandatory in Germany are the SBF See for recreational boats with engines over 15 HP on maritime waterways and the SRC, as soon as a radio is on board. SKS, SSS, and SHS are generally voluntary – with important exceptions for commercial operation of recreational boats, such as a skipper or sailing instructor.
SKS – the Sportküstenschifferschein (Coastal Skipper Certificate)
The Sportküstenschifferschein (SKS) is valid for all seas up to 12 nautical miles and is one of the most well-known German sailing certificates. It is suitable for sailors who have gained initial experience and wish to systematically deepen their knowledge. It also plays an important role in chartering, as many charter companies require it as proof of qualification. Prerequisites are a minimum age of 16, the SBF See, and 300 nautical miles. The SKS practical training at in2theblue includes:
- Mooring and unmooring maneuvers, sailing maneuvers, and reefing
- Anchoring and buoy maneuvers
- Man overboard recovery under sail and engine
- Navigation and meteorology
- Seamanship and safety on board
The practical exam takes place after the training week. The theoretical training and exam are conducted by training partner Ritzau-Yachting and cover 4 subjects: navigation, seamanship, maritime law, and meteorology. All exam parts must be completed within 24 months.
SSS – for Ambitious Skippers
Even more demanding is the Sportseeschifferschein (SSS) for all seas up to 30 nautical miles. It is aimed at advanced sailors who wish to engage with long-distance navigation, night passages, watchkeeping, and complex seamanship. Prerequisites are 1,000 nautical miles after acquiring the SBF See or 700 nautical miles after acquiring the SKS. The training at in2theblue is deliberately designed for small crews and intensive supervision. In addition, there is the Sporthochseeschifferschein (SHS) for worldwide cruising, which only includes a theoretical exam.
Austrian Sailing Certificates: BFA Binnen, FB2, and FB3
The Austrian system is divided into cruising areas – from coastal FB1 to worldwide FB4. At in2theblue, Austrian training is conducted together with training partner Blue-2 The Sailing Academy. The offer ranges from BFA Binnen to FB2 and FB3 and is supplemented by radio training.
- FB1 – Cruising Area 1: coastal cruising up to 3 nautical miles, yachts up to 10 m length
- FB2 – Cruising Area 2: coastal cruising up to 20 nautical miles, yachts up to 24 m length
- FB3 – Cruising Area 3: cruising up to 200 nautical miles, yachts up to 24 m length
- FB4 – Cruising Area 4: worldwide cruising without distance limitation
BFA Binnen – Your Entry into Sailing
If you first want to sail on Austrian inland waters, start with the BFA Binnen. This allows you to rent sailboats of various sizes on inland waters and participate in regattas. This certificate is also suitable as an entry point into further offshore training.
FB2 – the Austrian Coastal Certificate
If you want to take a yacht to sea, choose the FB2. The training combines theory and practice and prepares you to safely skipper a yacht along the coast. Prerequisites are a minimum age of 18, at least 500 nautical miles with 3 night passages, proof of medical fitness including a color vision test, and a 16-hour first aid course. At in2theblue, you complete FB2 theory and practical training, plus practice and mileage trips.
FB3 – for Longer Distances
With the FB3, the training goes a step further: prerequisites are the FB2 and 500 nautical miles after its acquisition. The theory deepens, among other things, astronavigation, tidal knowledge, and advanced meteorology. Based on FB2 or FB3, Via Donau also issues the International Certificate (IC), which facilitates chartering and official contacts abroad.
RYA – Sail Training from Great Britain
The third option is the training from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). It is internationally oriented and used worldwide. in2theblue is a certified RYA Training Centre and offers RYA training up to Yachtmaster. The difference: The RYA is not a classic certificate system, but a progressive training system. All RYA courses are conducted in English.
- RYA Competent Crew: the entry level – you learn the basics of practical sailing and become a competent crew member. No prerequisites.
- RYA Day Skipper: independent skippering of a yacht under suitable conditions. From 16 years, approx. 5 days sea experience, 100 nautical miles, and 4 night hours.
- RYA Coastal Skipper: in-depth navigation, planning, and yacht handling for more demanding coastal trips. From 17 years, 15 days at sea, 300 nautical miles, 8 night hours, and 2 days as skipper.
- RYA Yachtmaster: for experienced skippers. Yachtmaster Coastal from 800 nautical miles and 30 days at sea, Yachtmaster Offshore from 2,500 nautical miles and 50 days at sea. The exam is taken by an external examiner.
Additionally, in2theblue offers the RYA SRC (Short Range Certificate) for VHF marine radio in the GMDSS system. The course is practical, working with modern VHF radios as used on yachts. Depending on the variant, it lasts 1 to 2 days; alternatively, there is an interactive online course.
Sailing Certificates Compared
| Certificate | Validity | Minimum Age | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKS (DE) | up to 12 nm | 16 years | SBF See, 300 nm |
| SSS (DE) | up to 30 nm | 16 years | 1,000 nm after SBF See or 700 nm after SKS |
| FB2 (AT) | up to 20 nm, yachts up to 24 m | 18 years | 500 nm, including 3 night passages |
| FB3 (AT) | up to 200 nm, yachts up to 24 m | 18 years | FB2, 500 nm after FB2 |
| RYA Day Skipper | Day trips under suitable conditions | 16 years | 100 nm, 4 night hours |
| RYA Coastal Skipper | Coastal trips | 17 years | 300 nm, 8 night hours |
| RYA Yachtmaster Offshore | Offshore | 18 years | 2,500 nm, 50 days at sea |
Which sailing certificate is right for me?
This question cannot be answered generally. What is crucial is where, how, and with what goal you want to sail.
| Your Goal | Possible Training Path |
|---|---|
| First experiences on inland waters | BFA Binnen (AT) |
| Coastal sailing with Austrian certificate | FB2 (AT) |
| Advanced Austrian training | FB3 (AT) |
| German coastal certificate | SKS (DE) |
| More demanding German training | SSS (DE) |
| Entry as crew member | RYA Competent Crew |
| First steps as skipper | RYA Day Skipper |
| More demanding coastal sailing | RYA Coastal Skipper |
| Training for experienced skippers | RYA Yachtmaster |
| VHF marine radio | RYA SRC |
Please note: Recognition, charter requirements, and legal prerequisites can depend on the country, the yacht’s flag state, the sailing area, and the respective charter company. Therefore, a specific certificate is not automatically the right solution everywhere.
Why Train with in2theblue?
At in2theblue, you don’t just get a course, but the opportunity to combine theory and real sailing practice. The practical training takes place in the Mediterranean. With small crews, experienced instructors, and modern training yachts, the focus is not just on the exam, but on the ability to apply what you’ve learned independently on board later. Depending on the training path, in2theblue works with specialized partners: Blue-2 The Sailing Academy for Austrian and Ritzau-Yachting for German certificates.
A sailing certificate should not be the end of training, but the beginning of more safety, more experience, and more freedom on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SKS and FB2?
The German SKS is valid for all seas up to 12 nautical miles and requires SBF See and 300 nautical miles. The Austrian FB2 is valid for coastal cruising up to 20 nautical miles with yachts up to 24 m length and requires 500 nautical miles including 3 night passages.
What are the prerequisites for the SKS?
For the SKS, you need a minimum age of 16, the Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See), and proof of 300 nautical miles.
Are RYA courses held in German?
No. RYA courses at in2theblue are held in English, and exams are also conducted in English.
Do I need a radio certificate?
As soon as a radio system is on board, a radio certificate is mandatory. For VHF marine radio in coastal areas, the SRC (Short Range Certificate) is the appropriate qualification.
Your path to a sailing certificate starts here
From your first sail training to Yachtmaster: At in2theblue, you’ll find Austrian, German, and RYA training paths under one roof.
Your contact
If you have any questions about our offers, please get in touch with us! We prefer to assist you in person.
