International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
For Operators of Pleasure Craft
If you are considering self skippering your own or a charter boat in Europe or the Mediterranean you may need to consider any licenses or certificates that may be required. You may need the ICC which is documentary assurance from one government to another that the holder is competent to travel on that country’s waterways, meaning that you don’t have to conform to each country’s individual certification requirements. It is not a qualification in its own right.
While the requirements vary from country to country, the ICC is recognised to a greater or lesser extent throughout the European Union. It is of particular importance if you are chartering a vessel in a foreign country, or using European inland waterways. In Northern European coastal waters, the ICC is not usually required. However, there are variations, meaning that you should always check what is acceptable in foreign states before you go. The chartering company you are hiring through should be able to advise you on the current requirements of the country prior to organising a charter. The RYA website also provides guidance on boating in Europe. www.rya.org.uk
Many European countries have signed up to The United Nations Resolution 40 from which the ICC originates or its predecessor Resolution 14. Although Greece, Spain and Portugal have not signed this agreement, you are still likely to be asked for an ICC in these countries.
As a recognised RYA-YA Training Centre and as a credited ICC Testing Centre we can offer you the required theory and practical testing for sailboats to enable you to acquire the ICC. Currently, our rate for this test is $320 which does not include the administration fee required by Yachting Australia. This will be an additional $80. The theory and practical testing with us will take 1 day to complete.