I have two questions:

1. I have an international skippers licence, can I get this transferred into a Thai Captain's licence and if so, what is the procedure?

2. If I get my Thai Captain's licence, do I still need to employ a Thai National as Captain on my boat if I run it commercially?

Any advice is greatly received!

Cheers!

Ingrid

My wife's uncle was a long-time Thai captain and sailed with me. Regrettably he died of heart failure about 4 months ago; pity, a good man and good sailor. There are several grades of such, need 500 ton certificate to do international commercial, not so easy to get. Also have lesser ratings. My understanding is that all commercial ships in Thai waters have to be with Thai captain. Best to check with the Harbormaster near you in Thailand.

Not visa related. Not really sure where to move it to but going to move to the Sports, Hobbies & Activities forum since there is are some topics about Yachting there..

My wife's uncle was a long-time Thai captain and sailed with me. Regrettably he died of heart failure about 4 months ago; pity, a good man and good sailor. There are several grades of such, need 500 ton certificate to do international commercial, not so easy to get. Also have lesser ratings. My understanding is that all commercial ships in Thai waters have to be with Thai captain. Best to check with the Harbormaster near you in Thailand.

So your suggesting container ships or cruise ships arriving in Thai waters have to board a Thai master and they are under control of the vessel...rubbish, Thai registered commerical vessels maybe, all commerical vessels in Thai waters...no