NauticEd certified school
A credential that travels.
3rd Coast is the only sailing school in the Midwest offering the NauticEd Sailing License and Credentials — recognized by charter companies in Italy, Spain, Croatia, Greece, and around the world.
The SLC
What is the SLC?
The Sailing License and Credentials is an internationally recognized recreational sailing license. It tells a charter company that you have documented seatime, passed the theory, and been assessed on the water to international standards.
- 200 hours of documented seatime
At least 100 hours as master of a vessel 28' or larger. Previous seatime may count.
- 40 hours of theory
NauticEd coursework covering coastal and electronic navigation, anchoring, and bareboat chartering.
- Practical assessment
We evaluate your competence on Lake Michigan to international bareboat standards.
- A 100-question exam
An independent theory test, renewed every three years to keep the credential current.
Levels
Where do you want to go?
Certification is a ladder, not a single test. You can start at Qualified Crew and progress at your own pace — every club sail adds seatime.
Qualified Crew
Safe, useful crew on boats up to 55'. Requires 3rd Mate ranking and the NauticEd Qualified Crew Member course.
Skipper
Skip 3rd Coast boats and charter monohulls in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Requires 2nd Mate, 50 days sailing, and Bareboat Charter Master.
SLC International
Charter anywhere, including Croatia, Italy, and Spain. Requires Sr. 2nd Mate, 200 hours, and the SLC exam.
Catamaran
Add a catamaran endorsement: Bareboat certification, the NauticEd catamaran course, and at least one day sailing a catamaran.
How it works
Three parts, one credential.
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Build seatime with the club
Club memberships give you unlimited access to sails, plus bareboat hours at higher tiers. Most sailors reach the 200-hour mark in a season or two.
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Complete the NauticEd theory
Start with two free courses. The full SLC bundle covers coastal navigation, electronic navigation, anchoring, and bareboat chartering, then the 100-question exam.
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Get assessed on the water
We sign off on your practical competence, then NauticEd issues the credential. Catamaran sailing can be added as an endorsement.
Catamaran endorsement
Learn on the big boat.
Learn on our 38' Lagoon catamaran, Latitude Adjustment — the big boat in our fleet. Once you are Bareboat certified, add the endorsement and charter catamarans abroad.
- Docking under power
Maneuvering, spring lines, and handling a wide beam in a crowded harbor.
- Sailing a catamaran
Tacking, gybing, reefing, and heavy-weather handling on two hulls.
- Charter-ready resume
One day of logged catamaran sailing plus the NauticEd course adds the endorsement.
Questions
Certification, answered.
Do I need the SLC to charter in the US?
Not always. Many US charter companies accept a Skipper certification and a sailing resume. The SLC matters most in countries that require a formal license, including Croatia, Italy, Spain, and Greece.
Does previous sailing experience count?
Possibly. If you have documented seatime on a comparable vessel 28' or larger — as crew or master — it may count toward the 200-hour requirement. Contact the office to review your log.
How long does it take?
At your pace. Your first certification can come in as little as 40 hours of seatime. The full SLC requires 200 hours and the theory/exam, so most sailors build it over one or two seasons of club sailing.
What does the SLC cost?
NauticEd course and exam fees are separate from 3rd Coast membership and training. Start with the two free NauticEd classes, then confirm current course pricing with NauticEd.
How often does the SLC need to be renewed?
The independent 100-question theory test must be taken every three years to remain current.
Start with the theory — free
Two NauticEd classes, on us.
Try the coursework before you commit. Then build seatime with the club and get assessed on Lake Michigan.