Skippers License Requirements

To legally drive a boat in South Africa, you need to meet specific requirements set by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). 

Here's a breakdown of what’s needed:

🪪 Skipper’s License (Certificate of Competence) – This is the boating equivalent of a driver’s license.

  • Required for: Any vessel under 9 meters with an engine larger than 15hp, including jet skis.
  • Types of licenses:
  • Category R: For sheltered inland waters (like dams and rivers).
  • Category C: For coastal waters up to 15 nautical miles from shore.
  • Higher categories exist for offshore navigation

📋 How to Get a Skipper’s License
You’ll need to:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Provide four passport/ID photos
  • Submit a medical certificate
  • Log a minimum of 50 hours of boating experience (on dams, rivers, or sea)
  • Pass a SAMSA-approved exam (includes theory and practical components)
  • Attend a training course (usually 2–3 days, optional but recommended)