Once you have discovered the fascination of sailing and motor boating, you will be drawn to the sea at some point. However, the demands placed on an ocean-going skipper are far higher than those placed on an inland waterway skipper. It is therefore essential to have the appropriate training. With our experience of countless weeks and thousands of nautical miles on the high seas, we will train you to become a responsible, confident and safe ocean skipper.
The internationally recognised offshore licence or offshore licence (formerly B licence) entitles the holder to operate sailing and motor yachts at sea. It is valid geographically and for an unlimited period of time. In order for the offshore licence to be issued, you must pass a theoretical examination at an officially recognised testing centre and provide proof of practical experience.
The theoretical examination comprises the following examination subjects, with Group 1 tasks being tested using a multiple-choice questionnaire. The solutions to the tasks in groups 2 and 3 are also assessed using multiple choice, whereby the solution is part of the solution and must be submitted and assessed:
Group 1: navigation, ship handling, seamanship, meteorology, legal issues, medicine on board
Group 2: tidal tasks
Group 3: chart tasks
Excerpt from the examination regulations of the Swiss Maritime Navigation Office
The practical experience must be gained on seaworthy yachts outside the inland area, with active participation in navigation and ship management under a skipper who is authorised to manage a yacht under the corresponding flag. The crew (incl. skipper) may not exceed 2 persons. For ocean crossings, with or without stopovers, a maximum total of 500 nautical miles is recognised. Nautical miles completed during stopovers and after the crossing and reported separately are recognised. Candidates cannot certify practical experience at sea for themselves or other candidates. Proof of the following minimum experience must be provided for the issue:
Sailing ships: 3 weeks at sea, with at least 18 days at sea and 1,000 nautical miles, of which at least 700 nautical miles after passing the theory test.
Motor boats: 2 weeks at sea, with at least 10 days at sea and 500 nautical miles, of which at least 400 nautical miles after passing the theory test.
The practical training can be completed within 4 years before to 4 years after (full calendar year) passing the theoretical examination. The following are considered proof of experience: the logbook, a copy of it or a transcript made by the candidate with detailed information about the ship, the crew and the navigation.
Are you thinking about acquiring an offshore licence and would like to know what requirements and training steps are necessary? In our offshore licence information evenings, we will answer all your questions about offshore licence training.
The information evenings are held as a livestream via the online application "ClickMeeting". No app needs to be downloaded for this. You will receive a link from us by e-mail on the registered date, which you can use to log in.
Costs: Free of charge
| Dates offshore licence information evenings | |
|---|---|
| Fri 22.08.2025 | 17.30 - 18.15 h |
| Wed 27.08.2025 | 19.00 - 19.45 h |
| Fri 05.09.2025 | 18.00 - 18.45 h |
| Sat 13.09.2025 | 10.00 - 10.45 h |
| Mon 15.09.2025 | 18.30 - 19.15 h |
| Tue 23.09.2025 | 18.30 - 19.15 h |
| Wed 08.10.2025 | 18.45 - 19.30 h |
| Thu 16.10.2025 | 18.45 – 19.30 h |
| Fri 24.10.2025 | 18.00 - 18.45 h |
| Fri 30.10.2025 | 19.00 – 19.45 h |
Learn and practise from the comfort of your own home until you are ready to take the exam: in our live streaming courses, you can learn the theory of the offshore licence virtually from your home office.
In our classroom courses, which have been tried and tested for many years, we teach you the theory of the offshore licence in a clear and practical way and prepare you for the official examination.
For charter skippers and owners, possession of a valid SRC radio licence is essential. Our one-day radio course prepares you optimally for the radio examination for the ‘Short Range Certificate’ at BAKOM.
For practical offshore licence training, we recommend our partner 4-Oceans. 4-Oceans offers a wide range of mileage, training and holiday cruises in different areas and on different yachts. Training is provided on all trips and the nautical miles travelled are certified for the offshore licence. You can find more information on the 4-Oceans website or call Jacqueline Steiner and Simi Züger, who will be happy to advise you:
4-Oceans GmbH
Ryf 66
CH-3280 Murten
Phone 031 302 24 24
info@4-oceans.ch
www.4-oceans.ch
