Apply for a sailing license (skipper license)

Get a health form

• Go to a licensed photo station to get the health form and have your sailing license photo taken.
• You’ll need to show your ID card or passport.

Go for a health checkup and eye sight test

You’ll need to get a health checkup and eye sight test to make sure that you are medically fit to skipper a boat.

The doctor and optometrist will register your checkup results on your health form. You'll need your health form to register for your theory test, and to take with you to your practical test.

1. Go to a family doctor, or a doctor who is familiar with your medical history from the last 3 years, for a checkup. They must sign your health form. If you're a soldier in active service, a military doctor or City Officer (Kzin HaIr) needs to sign your health form.
2. Go to a certified optometrist for an eye test. They must sign your health form
3. Submit the completed health:
   • online (only using the Chrome browser). You'll need to complete the online form and attach a copy of both sides of the health form
   • by post or in person by appointment to Small Vessels and Sailing Division, PO Box 806, Haifa 31999

Notes

• If your health form is not complete, it won't be processed.
• Your completed health form is valid for 2 years.
• It takes 7 days to process it.
• After 7 days, you can pay for your skipper theory and practical tests. You can't pay or take them if you haven't submitted and received approval for your health form.
• If after 7 days you can't pay, contact the Department of Small Vessels and Sailors to find out the reason.

You can only pay and register for a theory test after you've submitted your health test, and it's been approved. It takes 7 days process your health test.

The theory test tests your knowledge of the sailing rules, markings, operation of the vessel and rules of correct and safe conduct at sea.

Each vessel has its own theory test

To take the theory tests:

1. register at least 10 days in advance via GoVisit for:
   • Seamanship A
   • Seamanship B
   • Otzma B
2. Pay:
   • online – select sailing tests
   • at the post office with a payment voucher. You can get the payment voucher from the Small Vessels Department, 15a Sderot Yam, Haifa, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 8am to 1pm.
3. Go to your scheduled test with your ID and confirmation of payment

Verbal theory test

You can apply for a verbal test by sending the relevant documents to Small Vessels Department Certification Exceptions Committee by:

• fax 04-8632220
• post to: Small Vessels Department, PO Box 804, Haifa 31999

Getting you test results

Your test results will be available within 10 days of taking the test.
You can get your test results:

• by phone on *5678
• at the Small Vessels Department, 15a Sderot Yam, Haifa, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 8am to 1pm

We recommend taking the theory test close to starting your practical training.

The practical test is the final stage in receiving your sailing certificate. You will be tested on:

• operation of the vessel
• proper and safe behavior at sea

How to take the practical test

1. Register for the practical sailing test through your sailing school, at least 10 days in advance
   You can only register if you passed your theory test within the last 2 years
2. Pay:
   • online – select skipper tests
   • at the post office with a payment voucher. You can get the payment voucher from the Small Vessels Department, 15a Sderot Yam, Haifa, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 8am to 1pm
3. Go to your test with:
   • your signed health form
   • confirmation of payment

Getting you test results

Your test results will be available within 10 days of taking the test.

You can get your test results:

• by phone on *5678
• at the Small Vessels Department, 15a Sderot Yam, Haifa, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 8am to 1pm

You’ll get your sailing license within 10 working days of passing your practical test.