As a beginner you can join the BFA-Binnen License Course. Together with the Hofbauer Sailing School, the VISC has invested a lot of time and effort to create an English version of the BFA-Binnen – the former A-Schein (renamed in 2009). With the BFA-Binnen license you are allowed to rent boats on lakes in Austria (and probably lakes in other European countries).

This course is provided by Boats2Sail and is composed of three parts – theoretical, practical and (optional) exam. Besides learning the basics of seamanship in class you are also encouraged to undergo practical sailing lessons. The course (including the reading material) and the exams are both in English.

The next English language theory course will start after April 2023. Click here for more information or contact Frank Honan, the Rear Commodore, for further information.

The RYA SRC radio license (Short Range Certificate) is required by law across the world for any skipper (or crew) sailing yachts or motorboats fitted with a DSC radio station.

Click here for more information on the course and how to obtain the license or contact Frank Honan, the Rear Commodore, for more information..

The sea survival & safety training course is designed for all small craft users.

The importance of having the knowledge to survive if you end up in an emergency situation at sea is crucial.

Next training date: June 17 - 18, 2023

Click here for more information or contact Frank Honan, the Rear Commodore, for more information.

The next step in Austria would be the FB1, FB2 or FB3 license, which are for coastal waters within a certain mile limitation. Instead of translating all the reading material we recommend that you follow an existing foreign sailing program (e.g.: RYA, US Sailing, CYA, FFVoile, etc.). 

For the coastal license you will have to go abroad anyway. We do have good relations with different offshore training schools and many members of the VISC prepare themselves for those trainings through respective correspondence courses. Feel free to contact us for further information.

The VISC is now working on a regular onshore program provided on ISAF (International Sailing Federation) and/or RYA (Royal Yacht Association) standards. On a yearly basis we will offer courses in:

- RYA SRC (Short Range - Certificate)

- RYA Radar

- World Sailing Approved Offshore Personal Survival

Interested RYA certified instructors are welcome to contact us for further (other) training opportunities here in Vienna or abroad. We are currently looking for an RYA First Aid Instructor coming for a weekend to Vienna.