Charter certification

[Slartibartfast]

Can someone tell me what the different levels of certification will allow you to do?
For example, what certification would I need to charter a boat overnight? Are the ASA and US Sailing certifications basicaly the same?

[Sailormon6]

You don''t need any kind of certification to charter a boat, but having it probably makes it easier. Charter companies are concerned with whether you can be trusted to bring their boat back undamaged. They will want you to provide them a resume of your sailing experience. If you are not certified, they can have a qualified skipper go out with you for an hour to see if you know how to handle the boat satisfactorily. It doesn''t take an experienced skipper long to learn whether a prospective charterer knows what he is doing. During their checkout session, they will show you how to operate the engine and other equipment. Don''t be afraid to ask questions. Charter companies aren''t unreasonable. They have to rent boats to reasonably qualified people if they want to stay in business. Don''t charter a boat that is too big for you to handle.