If I have an RYA ‘Certificate of Competence’ do I still need an ICC? Yes, officially you do, however most countries in Europe will accept your COC. When operating within the Inland Waterways this is different and an ICC is essential. In this case, you will need to apply first for an ICC with CEVNI endorsement (which will mean completing a theory assessment) for a small fee.
Can my Yachting Australia / AYF certificate be endorsed? No, only RYA Day Skipper practical certificates and above or MCA Certificates of Competency (delivered through the National Yacht Training Scheme) are recognised as evidence of competency. A list of RTCs delivering the scheme is available here.
Can all YATCs (Yachting Australia Training Centres) provide ICC tests? No, only RYA-YA Recognised Training Centres that are accredited as an ICC Test Centre.
Can the ICC be used commercially? No, this is not a Certificate of Competence. It purely demonstrates an appropriate level of competence for day sailing with due regard to safety of navigation and safety of crew members for pleasure boaters.
Where can I take the ICC assessment?To gain an ICC you will need to prove your competence by completing a practical and theory assessment. An RYA Day Skipper practical certificate or above is sufficient to illustrate this. If you don’t have any previous RYA qualifications then you will need to take a practical test at an RYA-YA accredited Training Centre to prove your competence.
Can a ‘Tester’ come to my house or club? No, testers are not allowed to conduct tests away from their immediate Training Centre. This is RYA policy and exists for a number of reasons. However, it may be possible to be tested in your own boat at a recognised RYA-YA Training Centre.
Who provides insurance for an ‘own boat’ test? All testers must be current Yachting Australia Instructors who have limited Insurance through their membership for the delivery of training. The boat owner or candidate being tested is responsible for the vessel at all times and testers are unlikely to conduct ‘own boat’ tests on vessels which are un-insured.
What is the process for obtaining an ICC? . In simple terms, book a test at a Recognised Training Centre, arrive with your Passport, payment details and a passport photograph and then complete an application form. The ‘Tester will sign the completed form and send it with a copy of your passport with photograph for processing to Yachting Australia. Your ICC Certificate will be sent directly to the address on the form. Processing times vary so you should allow up to six weeks for normal post and if opting of the factrack service allow approx 3 weeks
How long does testing take? This depends on the type of endorsement being tested but will typically take half a day. The various categories sail/power, inland/coastal, CEVNI/PWC, <10m/>10m are tested on an appropriate type of vessel and you should speak to the ICC Testing Centre for further information.
What practical skills will I be tested on?The tester will put you through a number of skills tests in simple boat handling appropriate to the type of vessel. This is completely different to an examination and some coaching is allowed by the tester. The tester is primarily concerned with safety of crew and safety in navigation. Examples of manoeuvres are contained within the ICC Handbook and on the ICC application form.
Do I have to complete a written test? Your tester will assess theory subjects using a number of techniques. If you have concerns with a particular method, please discuss this when applying to a recognised ICC Test Centre.
How much does it cost? The cost of testing is separate to the fee for issue of a certificate. The cost of the ICC certificate is currently $80 (*April 2011) and is payable to Yachting Australia. (An additional fee of $25 can be paid to ‘fast track’ the application). Costs of testing may depend on whether this is conducted on your own boat or a training vessel and pricing is likely to vary between Testing Centres. Training Centres are not allowed to collude on pricing, this being anti-competitive and illegal.
Where can I obtain an application form? You can download the ICC application form here or from www.yachting.org.au under ‘Training – Frequently asked questions – ICC’. Completed applications should be sent to icc@yachting.org.au
What forms of identification will I need to bring? If you are an Australian Citizen or other eligible Passport holder you will need to produce your passport for inspection as well as providing a copy of the photo page of this passport and a passport sized photograph (name signed on reverse).
What happens if I don’t pass? Occasionally people are unsuccessful the first time round, the primary reason being a lack of safety. Please take some time to revise your navigation and pilotage, collision regulations and buoyage prior to the test. The RYA’s ‘ICC Handbook’ can help and is available from the Yachting Australia online shop at www.yachting.org.au/shop If you happen to be unsuccessful your tester will advise on where improvements need to be made prior to a re-test. He/She will advise on a reasonable timeframe and there is likely to be a cost associated with re-testing.
What does CEVNI stand for? The acronym for ‘Code Europeen des Voies de Navigation Interieure’ translates to the ‘European Code for Inland Waterways’ and applies to ‘Canal’ boats or other vessels using the Inland waterways of Europe. CEVNI is the Rules of the Road and regulations which cover all the interconnected waterways throughout Europe. If you want to travel on inland waterways such as the Canal du Midi, you need to prove that you understand these rules. Having completed the CEVNI test your ICC will be endorsed to show that you have also sat the CEVNI.
Where can I sit the CEVNI test? This can be taken at any RYA-YA accredited Training Centre in Australia. The test is a multiple-choice question paper and example questions are available here. The test is currently in paper format and you have two opportunities to achieve 22 out of the 30 questions correct.
Can I complete a CEVNI test on-line? Recognised Training Centres who are registered for RYA e-learning will be able to conduct CEVNI tests on-line. As with the paper test you will have two opportunities to pass. If successful you will be able to print your own certificate and apply for a CEVNI endorsement on your ICC.
How do I get my ICC endorsed with CEVNI? Firstly ensure you know the CEVNI rules and then register for a test at a CEVNI recognised Test Centre. There will be a small fee for completing this theory test. (You will have a second opportunity to pass if unsuccessful the first time round). The completed form should be sent to Yachting Australia for processing along with your ICC. You will receive a new copy of your ICC with CEVNI endorsement dated from the original ICC issue.