While sitting, feet in the sand, admiring the turquoise waters around you, the idea of sailing on these calm waters may cross your mind. You are not a dreamer, many expatriates living on the island have taken the plunge. The Skipper License allows you to sail the Mauritian waters and is managed by the Tourism Authority.
The skipper license is in three categories :
- Category A – Ocean Going
- Category B – up to 24 Nautical Miles
- Category C – up to 12 Nautical Miles
Curiously (for me at least), many of our French clients land here with a Skipper license already in hand. They then just need to get the equivalence from Tourism Authority, usually through a simple Examination / test structure. It is always a good idea to contact the authority to understand the validity of any license issued in a different country. There might be additional tests / examinations to sit for in order to get the equivalent in terms of navigational capability.
To note that non-Mauritians, unless they hold a residence permit, cannot apply for such license, For instance, those on tourist or student visas are not eligible.
Syllabus and examination structures.
Syllabuses vary according to category of licenses. Subjects that such syllabuses cover : Magnetic & Gyro compass, Charts & chartwork, Tides & current, Lights & navigational aids, Meteorology, Safety and Collision prevention, Survival, Electronics & communications, and other boat-related technical side, all summing up to Practical Seamanship abilities and competence.
Advanced elements are added as one progresses to higher categories (Category A : ocean-going, for instance). Here the syllabus is extended to subjects such as Positions & directions on Earth’s surface, Buoyage systems, Pilotage, Anchoring & Mooring, Passage planning, Radar navigation, Bridge Watchkeeping and similar.
As an indication, below is the structure of courses and examination for each license category :
Category C :
- 10 days training and oral examination in Creole
- 2 days practical training and oral examination in Creole, English or French
- 2 days practical training and written examination in English
- Special written examination in either English or French for those who hold a license issued in a different country
- Practical examination at sea (for those who failed their first attempt)
The idea of having the examination in creole is to assist and empower locals into the profession, removing all discriminations with regards to academic education. Hence also the practical examination at sea, allowing those who were not comfortable is a sitting exam to show their real proficiency at sea.
Category B:
- 4 days Chartwork training and written examination
- Special written examination in either English or French for those who hold a license issued in a different country
Category A :
- Written examination
- Special written examination in either English or French for those who hold a license issued in a different country by a nautical institute
Documents to produce
The prescribed form should be downloaded from the website of Tourism Authority, filled in and signed. You can find the form here
The following documents, in copy, should accompany the application form :
- ID card or passport
- Residence permit
- Marriage certificate
- 2 recent passport-sized (face) photographs
- Certificate of Character
- Recent medical certificate (for applicants aged 65 or more)
- Any license issued in a different country
- Any other relevant qualifications, if applicable.
The form also contains a section where a next-of-kin identity and contact details have to be furnished. It also includes a declaration with regard to the physical and mental fitness of applicant.
If you need more information, or assistance in getting your skipper license, you can always talk to our team. We will be happy to guide you through.
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This post first appeared on Invest, Work And Live In Mauritius, please read the originial post: here
