International Sailing Schools Associations

ISSA International Sailing License

Your Nautical Passport to Sail the World

Certifications issued by the ISSA (International Sailing Schools Association) serve as an internationally recognised sailing qualification essentially the nautical equivalent of a globally accepted driving licence, but tailored to the world of sailing and boating.

These licences are specifically designed for yacht skippers and sailors who want to cross borders and explore destinations beyond their home waters. Their greatest advantage lies in their universality: rather than trying to explain the scope of a local qualification to port authorities in a foreign country, the skipper can simply present their ISSA certificate as a clear, standardised proof of their nautical competence.

Thanks to this unified system, any sailor can instantly and objectively demonstrate their technical skills in line with international nautical standards — streamlining paperwork, building trust with authorities, and opening the door to new routes and unforgettable experiences.

   

ISSA Competences

(Recreational / Sports Level)
Master of Power YachtPower Boat
Offshore Power Yacht SkipperPower Boat
Inshore Power Yacht SkipperPower Boat
Inland Power Yacht SkipperPower Boat
Boat MasterPower Boat
Boat MasterPower Boat
Power Yacht CrewPower Boat
First Aid Certificate
Short Range Operators Certificate (VHF)
Master of YachtSail
Offshore SkipperSail
Inshore SkipperSail
Inland SkipperSail
Catamaran SkipperSail
Tender SkipperSail / Power
Keelboat Level 1, 2, 3Sail
Dinghy Level 1, 2, 3Sail
Yacht CrewSail
Completion Certificate – Yacht Theory Training
Students / Beginners
ISSA Power Boat Level Max. LOA Nav. Time Distance from Shore
Power Yacht CrewN/ADaytimeN/A
Inland Power Yacht Skipper15mDaytime3 NM (Inland Waters)
Boat Master16mDaytime12 NM
Inshore Power Yacht Skipper16mDay & Night20 NM
Offshore Power Yacht Skipper24mDay & Night120 NM
Master of Power Yacht24mDay & NightUnlimited
ISSA Sail Level Max. LOA Nav. Time Distance from Shore
Yacht CrewN/ADaytimeN/A
Inland Skipper15mDaytime3 NM (Inland Waters)
Inshore Skipper24mDay & Night20 NM
Offshore Skipper24mDay & Night120 NM
Master of Yacht24mDay & NightUnlimited
 

ISSA COURSES AT MARINA DEL ESTE

INLAND POWER SKIPPER

15 METRES

3 NAUTICAL MILES

With this sailing licence you’ll be able to skipper vessels of up to 15 metres in length, navigating inland waters and coastal seas up to 3 nautical miles offshore during daylight hours.

INSHORE POWER SKIPPER

16 METRES

20 NAUTICAL MILES

With the ISSA Inshore Power Skipper qualification you’ll be able to skipper vessels of up to 16 metres in length, day and night, in coastal waters up to 20 nautical miles offshore.

OFFSHORE POWER SKIPPER

24 METRES

120 NAUTICAL MILES

With the ISSA Offshore Power Skipper qualification you’ll be able to skipper vessels of up to 24 metres in length, day and night, in offshore waters up to 120 nautical miles from the coast.

MASTER OF POWER YACHT

24 METRES

UNLIMITED

With the ISSA Master of Power Yacht qualification you’ll be able to skipper vessels of up to 24 metres in length, day and night, with no limit on distance from the coast.

MARINE VHF RADIO COURSE

The ISSA VHF/SRC course provides professional training in the use of marine radios and DSC/GMDSS systems in line with international standards. It certifies skippers of vessels up to 24 metres to operate safely across the entire A1 maritime zone.

The ISSA licence guarantees mastery of emergency communications and full compliance with global maritime regulations. It is a highly prestigious qualification, internationally recognised by maritime authorities and insurers alike for its exceptional standard of quality.

POWER YACHT CREW

The ISSA Power Yacht Crew course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of seamanship and prepare them to provide competent assistance to motor yacht skippers during daytime sailing in fair to moderate weather conditions. Upon completion, students may progress to the Inland Power Skipper, Boat Skipper, or Inshore Power Skipper courses.

¿Tienes Titulación Naútica?

With our courses you can obtain either a National or International Nautical Qualification

¿Dónde estamos ubicados?

We are based at Marina del Este Sports Harbour in the province of Granada and Nerja and we also travel to you!

Enjoy sailing

Enjoy this summer with your loved ones sailing along the Costa Tropical and the Natural Reserve of Los Acantilados de Maro – Cerro Gordo.

Water sports

Discover beaches only reachable by boat and enjoy the water sports you love most. Now, experience an exclusive Wakeboard afternoon with Alborán Charters.