NauticEd SLC-p: International Powerboating License for Mediterranean. Accepted and encouraged boating education.

Bareboat and International Powerboating License (SLC-p) Self-Assessment

A self-assessment to prepare for practical, in-person, on-the-water assessments with a NauticEd Assessor/Instructor to become licensed to charter boats worldwide.

Jump to the POWER Self-Assessment | Learn more about the SLC-p International License

This is the SLC Assessment for POWER  | Go to the SLC Assessment for SAIL

The SLC Self-Assessment is a tool to “self-assess” and prepare for your practical, on-the-water, skills that are required to bareboat charter a powerboat worldwide with the International SLP-p license. While the self-assessment is intended to be sent to your Assessor/Instructor, you’re welcome to use it personally.

Primarily you’re being assessed for skills competence for multiday and near coastal powerboating on large sailboats or catamarans, which not only include large boat handling skills, but also systems, navigation, anchoring/mooring, and safety-related skills. Think of it this way: as a skipper, you are the helmsman, navigator, engineer, electrician, plumber, and even chef – all while confidently leading the crew with knowledge, experience, and expertise.

International Licensing and Bareboat Chartering requires additional knowledge and skill requirements such as different navigational aid systems, Mediterranean Mooring, and even dinghy operations.

With NauticEd, you learn and are assessed for theory-knowledge online, specifically with the Bareboat Charter Master online courses. Then you can take a practical on-the-water course with a qualified NauticEd instructor, or you can be “assessed” on-the-water (usually takes about a day) to become certified and receive your SLC license. This self-assessment is for the practical assessment with an instructor, not theory-knowledge tested in the online courses.

Since the Self-Assessment is used to prepare for an in-person and on-the-water assessment by a qualified Assessor/Instructor, it is NOT SCORED. Instead, you (and the instructor if you send it) will receive an emailed list of (a) areas in which you need help, (b) areas wherein you may be a bit rusty, and (c) all the glorious skills that you have mastered.

Your Assessor/Instructor then can discuss the results with you in detail. For example, perhaps you need more practice to “shake off the rust” (if you haven’t boated in a while), or for some items you may want a refresher or additional training.

The SLC-p in-person, on-the-water, assessment with an Assessor/Instructor is PASS/FAIL. The NauticEd assessor does not pass or fail based on opinion; rather, they evaluate whether your demonstrated skills meet national and international benchmarks.

Simply, it behooves you to self-assess so that you can fully prepare for the actual assessment. And even if you’re just “monkeying around” with this form, it’ll give you an excellent sense of your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to chartering a boat internationally.

  • The SLC-p is not a casual certification—it is an international sailing license that requires verified competence.
  • The assessor’s job is not only to evaluate you, but also to help identify any critical weaknesses that may put you, your crew, or your vessel at risk.
  • Attempting to “rush” the assessment by overstating your abilities may result in not passing and the need for additional assessment and training sessions.
  • It is completely acceptable and encouraged to indicate areas where you need a refresher or further instruction. Doing so shows maturity, responsibility, and dedication to becoming a competent skipper.
  • Should your session include more training time, you will leave a more confident and capable boater—and ultimately safer and more qualified for bareboat charter operations.

Give Yourself an Honest Assessment

By “honest” we mean giving yourself a candid and realistic evaluation of your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement – with the goal of growth and becoming a competent boater. Being honest with your self-assessment before working with a boating assessor or instructor is crucial for your growth and safety. It helps the instructor tailor the training to your actual needs, reinforce weak areas, and build real competence. Overestimating your abilities can slow your progress, create risky situations, or result in a failed license assessment—while an “honest” self-assessment sets you up for a more efficient, personalized learning experience.

Bareboat SLC Self-Assessment Instructions

1. Complete the Self-Assessment below. Each question has 3 answers to select from. Very simple:
– “I’m Good to Go“: you feel confident and competent with this skill.
– “I’m a Little Rusty“: you are familiar with the skill, but are likely out of practice (i.e., “rusty” and haven’t done it in a while) and are not fully confident in performing the skill in an on-water assessment.
– “I Need Help“: you’re not really confident or practiced in this skill and likely need help with it.

2. When complete, add any additional comments and email info – including the assessor/instructor info (optional) – for a summary.

Note that we’re not collecting your email address for marketing, signing you up for anything, or any of that bait-n-switch nonsense. This is strictly a self-assessment, and results go only to those who you assign at the end.

Please note: the form may “time out” if left open for long periods of time, so please keep this in mind when working on the assessment. This happens because of security reasons as well as certain browser settings, which require a balance between your/our online security and the time needed to complete the assessment. If any issues or questions with the form, please contact us at support@nauticed.org. If an issue, please share details of the issues that you encountered.

SLC Self Assessment

Skill Set 1: Theory and Navigation Skills

1.1 Rules
Can correctly identify the give-way and stand-on vessel with various vessel types and approach situations including sail, power-driven, towing, and commercial fishing.
1.2 Chartwork
Can plot positions on a chart given latitude and longitude and determine true and magnetic directions to a given point. Can measure distances on a chart.
1.3 Chart Symbols
Can identify key ATONS on a chart and describe the ATON’s label such as its light sequence. Can identify chart symbols such as rocks, wrecks etc.
1.4 Tides
Given a tide curve and a chart, can determine the depth of water at a specific time and place.
1.5 Navigation Marks and Aids (Day & Night)
Can identify and describe navigation marks and aids under IALA-A and IALA-B, cardinal marks, and isolated danger marks by night and by day.
1.6 Sounds
Can name the meaning of maneuvering sound blasts such as 1, 2, 3, and 5 sound blasts. Can identify blasts of Sail and Powerboats in fog.
1.7 Vessel Lights, Shapes
Can identify the difference between a sailboat and a powerboat by its displayed lights and the direction of travel relative to you.
1.8 VHF & Phonetic Alphabet
Can make a mayday call using correct protocol. Identify which channels are for recreational voice use. Can spell words phonetically.
1.9 Flags
Can identify diver down and the distress flag
1.10 Weather
Viewing a weather map and wind map, can identify frontal systems and areas of high pressure and low pressure as well as wind speed and direction.
1.11 Fuel Usage
Can Calculate fuel useage for a long trip under engine power.
1.12 Tides App
Using a Tides App, can determine the tidal range, the tide height at specific times of day and given a depth of water under the keel now can determine the depth of water under the keel throughout the tide cycle.
1.13 Weather Apps
Using a Weather App, can determine wind speed and direction predictions, rain and storm forecast for today and tomorrow.
1.14 Navigation Apps
Using a Navigation App, can determine a direction and distance from your current location to a specified bay or marina.

Skill Set 2: Boat Systems and Inventory

2.1 Safety Inventory
(Note this is a critical skill. An overall reduction in competency grade should be considered if this skill is not demonstrated as competent). Identify key safety equipment necessary and the use thereof for a manifestly safe voyage; including fire extinguishers, flares, first aid kit, sound device, flashlight, fire blanket, tool kit, life jackets - inspection and donning. Discuss accessibility.
2.2 Electric Panel
Identify switches on the electric panels including vessel navigation lights, instrument switches, cabin lights and explain AC vs DC. Identify windlass reset. Demonstrate proper AC voltage disconnect procedure. Identify main breaker in case of fire. Identify and explain battery voltage meter. How to charge. Symptoms of low voltage. Start and stop procedures of generator.
2.3 Heads and Pollution
Explain "Y" valves, when head dumping is allowed vs discouraged. Describe plastic and oil management. Discuss excess toilet paper and training guests on flushing.
2.4 Engine
Identify fuel fill ports vs water and waste as well as gauges. Demonstrate oil and coolant check and add procedures. Describe water impeller replacement. Demonstrate raw water strainer cleanout and exhaust as well as the Generator strainer. Identify fuel filter and means for draining water. Describe priming. Identify transmission linkages. Can check raw water coolant flow. Start and stop procedures. Identification of common failures. Explain fixes.
2.5 Galley
Describe stove lighting and propane safety. Identify water fill ports and gauges. Demonstrate water tank change over. Discuss refrigeration and load on the batteries.
2.6 Above Decks
Demonstrate windlass control and describe hazards. Describe obvious hazards on boat. Describe fender placement.
2.7 Navigation Instruments
Demonstrat a sufficient and working knowledge of chart plotter, depth, GPS, Radar, AIS, autopilot instruments.
2.8 Vessel Inspection
Conduct a thorough inspection of the vessel for its Seaworthiness; meaning, equipment and personal items stowed, the vessel is competent to resist the ordinary attacks of wind and weather, is competently equipped and manned for the voyage, with a sufficient crew and with sufficient means to sustain them, with a captain of general good character and nautical skill.

Skill Set 3: Preparation, Crew Briefing, and Leaving the Dock

3.1 Weather Knowledge and Reading Skill with an App
(Note this is a Critical Skill) Describe appropriate sources of weather information including Apps (PredictWind App), and VHF. Able to read, and predict coming conditions based on fronts, cyclones, anticyclones. Basic understanding of land effects.
3.2 Tide Height and Tidal Stream Knowledge Using Apps
(Note this is a Critical Skill) Give sources of tide tables including electronic sources. Can determine tide height using an App (PredictCurrent App). Can predict current stream using an App (Predict Current)
3.3 Electronic Navigation Skill with a Navigation App
(Note this is a Critical Skill) Effectively use a GPS chart plotter and phone/tablet Apps to determine distance and direction to destination.
3.4 Crew Briefing
Deliver a strong, confident and complete safety crew briefing (NauticEd App provides a Crew Briefing under Helpful documents). Ensure everyone onboard in wearing a suitably fitting and serviceable lifejacket that meets lawful requirements.
3.5 Develop and Communicate Departure Plan
Properly assess the vessel for departure readiness including stowage of inventory and gear. Describe sensible departure plans under various wind and current directions utilizing appropriate spring lines. Communicate to and assign crew members with specific appropriate tasks.
3.6 Clearing for Departure
Confirm there are no conflicts with the boat's intended actions in relation to other boats or activities in the vicinity. Propeller is clear of objects, lines, and people. Proper start procedure. Knowledge of quick engine stop procedure. Use "steer then gear" - set the wheel prior to engaging gear.
3.7 Getting Underway
Appropriate use of throttle and steering, giving consideration to wind and current.Properly managing lines and maintaining a proper 360 degree lookout throughout all activities.

Skill Set 4. Maneuvering the Vessel Safely

(Note these are critical skills. An overall reduction in competency grade should be considered if this skill is not demonstrated as competent)
4.1 Gear Shifting and Throttle
A: Shift slowly into forward gear. Shift slowly into reverse gear. Hold neutral for 2 seconds minimum before shifting into the opposing gear. B: Slowly increases throttle - maintaining situational awareness as boat increases in speed.
4.2 Moving Forward Maintaining Directional Control
A: With idle speed or slightly above, keep the boat on a predetermined course for a distance of at least five boat lengths.
4.3 Momentum
From various forward speeds predict the stopping distance in upwind and downwind conditions (if available).
4.4 Wind and Current
Describe how wind and current affects momentum at various angles. Demonstrate operating and stopping the boat accounting for the wind and current.
4.5 Bring From Idle to Stop
A: Bring the boat from idle speed to a complete stop. B: within one boat length. C: Identify difference between the boat gliding in neutral and when the boat is stopped still in the water and when the boat is stopped still to the ground.
4.6 Turn the Boat
Safely execute a pivot turn of at least 180‐degrees within a space of 1 to 2 boat lengths. At slow speeds and with throttle bursts.
4.7 180 degree Turns at Various Speed
A: Correctly estimate the radius of a 180-degree turn at slow speed then at higher speeds. B: Maintain look at during these maneuvers.
4.8 S-turns, Donuts and Figure 8's
Safely execute S-turns, donuts and figure 8's maintaining a look out and being wake aware.
4.9 Prop Walk
Safely engages reverse and is able to discuss and predict/account for prop walk.
4.10 Maintain Proper Lookout
Through out all exercises, demonstrates frequent 360‐degree visual checks and identifying potential hazards.
4.11 Straight Line Reversing
Can reverse in a predetermined constant direction for five boat lengths. Demonstrate in upwind, crosswind, and downwind directions (or describe difficulties associated if no wind)
4.12 Maneuvering in Reverse
Displays confident with S turns, Donuts, and figure 8's in Reverse maintaining a look out and being wake aware and wash into the stern.
4.13 Shifting into Forward and Reverse while moving opposite
Displays situational awareness and gear box care when shifting from reverse movement into forward gear and shifting from forward movement into reverse gear.
4.14 Windage and Current
A: Stop the boat and observe windage effect on the boat. Discuss how various boats behave differently based on fore and aft area exposed to the wind. B: In forward, turn bow towards and away from the wind - observing and discussing effects. C: In reverse, turn stern towards and away from the wind - observing and discussing effects. D: Repeat if there is water current present.
4.15 Mooring Buoys and Holding Station
Displays competence in maneuvering to a buoy in forward gear and reverse gear. Able to hold the boat in position at a mooring ball within boathook reach for 10 seconds with bow to wind and with stern to wind.
4.16 Bow Thruster
Near a mooring ball or buoy can maneuver the boat sideways using a bow thruster (if available - otherwise describe).

Skill Set 5. Spring Lines and End Ties

(Note these are critical skills. An overall reduction in competency grade should be considered if this skill is not demonstrated as competent)
5.1 Aft Line to Dock - Midship line to the Dock
With an aft line to the dock, and the boat pulling away from the dock in forward idle, maneuver the boat to an alongside position. Repeat for Midship line.
5.2 Spring-On T-Head (wind from foward)
With wind coming from forward or blowing off the dock, spring-on to the dock with a forward dockline.
5.3 Spring-On T-Head (wind from aft)
With wind coming from aft, reverse into the slip, attach an aft dockline and maneuver the boat alongside the dock.
5.4 Spring-Off T-Head (wind coming from aft)
With wind coming from aft or blowing onto the dock, spring-on to the dock with a forward dockline.
5.5 Spring-Off T-Head (wind coming from forward)
With wind coming from forward or blowing off the dock,spring -off the dock with an aft dockline.
5.6 Spring-out of a Slip into a Narrow Slipway
Using a midships line at the end of the slip finger, spring-out and turn the boat into the slipway.
5.7 Sideways Drift On and Off an End Tie
(A) Exiting the dock: With the wind blowing the boat out off the dock, allow the boat to drift out and successfully exit. (B) Docking on: With the winf blowing the boat onto the dock set up and execute a docking allowing the wind to blow the boat onto the dock.
5.8 Ferry the Boat to the Dock
With wind from a forward position to the end tie, ferry the boat across the wind onto a position on the end tie.

Skill Set 6. Slip Docking - Exit and Return & Mediterranean Mooring

(Note these are critical skills. An overall reduction in competency grade should be considered if this skill is not demonstrated as competent)
6.1 Entering the Slip
Discuss and execute entering a slip with all four wind directions to the slip.
6.2 Exiting the Slip
Discuss and execute exiting a slip with all four wind directions to the slip.
6.3 Round Turn and Turn Back into Wind
With the wind blowing strong (or discuss and demonstrate as if) into the main slip way, execute a round turn past the slip and motor back up to the slip so as not to be turning downwind into the slip. Discuss the dangers of turning into the slip from a downwind position.
6.4 Mediterranean Mooring (Critical Skill)
Describe both types of Med mooring opertions (non-anchor/sunken mooring block and with anchor). Properly prepare the boat and crew. Back the boat in straight and at a safe speed and stop at the appropriate point. Complete Mediterranean moorings method as appropriate for assessment conditions. Effectively lead the crew to secure the aft lines and tension the anchor or the slime line as appropriate.

Skill Set 7. Motoring in Open Water

(Note these are critical skills. An overall reduction in competency grade should be considered if this skill is not demonstrated as competent)
7.1 Displacement Mode vs Planing Mode
Describe the difference including plowing (displacement just prior to planing). Including visibility, wake size, fuel consumption, speed.
7.2 Accelerating and Staying in Displacement Mode
Safely accelerate, drive, and turn in displacement mode. Cross a wake at the appropriate angle and appropriate speed considering passengers/gear
7.3 Stopping in Displacement Mode
Describe the difference between Standard stop, Urgency Stop, Emergency Stop, and Emergency 90 degree avoidance turn. Safely perform all 4.
7.4 Transition from Idle to Displacement Mode to Planing Mode Down to Idle
Describe the transitions from idle to displacement to planing and back to idle including load on the engine, RPM shifts, and passengers and gear. Safely perform.
7.5 Operation in Planing Mode
Demonstrate straight steering for 50 boat lengths. Safely perform 45 degree S-turns, avoidance turns, crossing wakes, and standard, urgency, emergency stops and emergency avoidance. Ensure wake does not dangerously overtake the stern during stopping procedures.
7.6 Trim Tabs and Engine Trim
Describe how trim tabs work and are used and when to trim up and down. Perform accelerating and operating with trim tabs. Describe how engine trim works (outboards and stern drives) and is used and when to trim up and down. Perform accelerating and operating with engine trim.
7.7 Person Overboard
Safely and expeditiously retrieve a simulated person overboard ensuring the propeller is never is a danger situation to the simulated person. Identify a means of bringing a person back onboard.

Skill Set 8. Anchoring, Mooring, and Returning to the Slip

8.1 Anchoring
(Note this is a critical skill) Properly set up the crew and vessel for anchoring. Consider factors when selecting an appropriate anchor location including tide, shore, surrounding depth, obstacles, and other vessels. Use proper anchoring procedure including appropriate scope. Describe advantages and disadvantages of various multiple anchoring techniques including longline ashore as well as simultaneus stern and bow anchoring.
8.2 Rafting Up
Describe rafting up with multiple boats. Discuss appropriate use of spring lines and fenders and the danger of too many boats connected including associated hazard with wind shift in the night.
8.3 Mooring Ball
Properly set up the crew and vessel for picking up a mooring ball. Establish hand signal communications with appointed bow person. Under power, bring vessel to stop at the mooring ball. Demonstrate an effective method to secure the boat to the mooring ball using an appropriate warp. Identify appropriate mooring ball colors - day mooring ball, commercial vessel mooring ball, overnight mooring ball, dinghy mooring ball.
8.4 Returning to the Slip
Demonstrate competence when returning to the slip including setting up the crew and communicating the plan, fenders, spring lines, checking for marina traffic and objects/people in the water, and stow items. Choose correct angle of approach depending on the wind and current direction.
8.5 Docking
Choose the correct spring leverage configuration with rudder position for various wind/current situations. Successfully dock the boat at the predetermined spot within 12 inches (30 cm) or with only a slight dock bump with fenders.
8.6 Secure the Vessel
Properly secure the vessel considering spring and dock line knots and coils, tide, wind, current, fenders, electrical hook up, gear stowed, and vessel security.

Skill Set 9. Life Aboard, Knots, and Distress

9.1 Knots
Demonstrate ability to tie and teach to crew the following knots: bowline, figure 8 stopper knot, cleat hitch, clove hitch, round turn and two half hitches, reef knot.
9.2 Life Aboard
Describe measures to prevent water pollution. Recites law on dumping of plastic. Recites law and appropriateness on dumping the head. Lists medical safety awareness of what to watch out for considering the crew: Sunburn, hypothermia, dangerous drug or alcohol condition, cuts, shell fish reactions. Knowledge of how to contact local emergency services.
9.3 Galley
Describe precautions in using the stove and oven considering gas, fire, CO2 and heeling boat. Can describe various methods of reducing plastic waste while on charter.
9.4 Flares
Describes use of flares and dangers. Which flares not to use for helicopter rescue. Can identify visual distress signals.
9.5 Fire
Demonstrate simulated use of a fire extinguisher and fire blanket. Describe what to do in case of electrical fire, engine fire, stove and oven fire.
9.6 Collision
Describe actions in case of collision and sealing leaks.

Dinghy Operations

Dinghy 1. Safety
Can explain and use safety kill cord with wrist strap. Understands dangers of propeller especially with respect to sharp turns and crew falling out. Cognizant of elbows when starting. Knows requirement for night lights.
Dinghy 2. Engine and Fuel
Can start, stop and use the engine effectively by: Checking for elbow room, fuel connections, fuel valve, fuel bulb, understanding 2 stroke vs 4 stroke with fuel difference, choke, throttle, up/down tilt. Can explain safe and pollution avoidance fuel refill. Carburetor flood clearing procedure.
Dinghy 3. Required Inventory
Can list: flashlight, pump, patches, anchor and rode, sufficient fuel.
Dinghy 4. Safe Boarding
Can describe safe boarding technique using three points of touch for stability (two hands one foot, two feet one hand).
Dinghy 5. Maneuvering
(Note this is a critical skill) Understands gears: forward and reverse with caution around engine tilt lock and problems associated with auto-tilting in reverse. Can maneuver in straight line. Turn 30 degrees to port. Turn 30 degrees to starboard. Does not hesitate or get the direction wrong with the tiller arm. Can turn in a 360 degree circle at safe speed. Can stop forward momentum at an object using reverse without auto-tilting the engine. Can reverse in a 360 degree circle. Can maneuver to a object in reverse and stop appropriately. Can describe dangers of excessive speed.
Dinghy 6. Beaching
Can safely beach the dinghy and launch away from the beach. Understand the dangers of getting sideways to the waves at the beach.
Dinghy 7. Mooring Balls
Can identify/describe a dinghy mooring ball.
Dinghy 8. Towing and Davit
Can describe appropriate painter line length for towing. Can raise into the davit and lower the dinghy from the davit (or describe if not available).

Night Time Operations

While night time operations are generally not allowed by yacht charter companies, being able to safely operate under low light and dark conditions is a recommended skill. This is expected to be a practical night time assessment on the water.
Night 1. Lighted Marks
Can identify and name the characteristics of various observed lighted marks.
Night 2. Chart
Can transpose viewable lighted marks onto the chart and can gain an approximate position fix.
Night 3. Other Vessels
Can identify types of vessels by their exhibited lights. Can identify their direction of movement and if they pose a collision threat.
Night 4. Safety
Can rig and describe jack line use. Can discuss crew overboard safety devices including electronic tethers.
Night 5. Anchoring and Mooring in the Dark
Can safely determine a safe anchoring position and direct the crew to complete successfully. Can successfully find and direct the crew to complete a successful mooring.
Night 6. Vessel Operation
Can confidently lead the crew when boating in darkness.
Night 7. Return
Can identify and use lighted marks to safely return to the marina.

Submit Your Form

Enter your name and email, and optionally if working with an Assessor or Instructor, enter their name and email to send a copy of the results to them.

*Again, please note that there's no bait-n-switch sign up or spam email list opt-in by submitting this form. We respect your privacy.

If you don't know your instructor's email address, you can look up your school or instructor here.

Home » SLC-p Self Assessment – Powerboats
Last updated on April 25th, 2025