The
South of France
Sea School

This is the 'licence' used by 'UK national' boat owners visiting countries where certificates of competence are mandatory.

Countries where the ICC is Mandatory:

For coastal areas in Northern Europe and Scandinavia, the ICC is generally not required. Again, there are exceptions and these include Poland and the Baltic States of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. It is also useful to have one in Germany. Conversely, in the Mediterranean an ICC is usually required, particularly in Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey. ICCs are not required in France or Spain on British flagged yachts. However, harbour masters and other officials are used to their own nationals having to be licensed and so can be difficult to persuade that British flagged vessels do not require them. You either have to be prepared to stand your ground and argue the case or you may decide that it is easier to actually have an ICC. Portugal does require skippers to hold the ICC.

Eligibility:

• The International Certificate of Competence is available to British Citizens or bone fide British Residents over 16 years of age.

Issuing costs:

• The ICC is issued free to Royal Yachting Association (RYA) members and is available at £34 (payable to the RYA) to non members. Please click here for an online ICC application form.

Evidence of competence may be provided by either:

• By providing an RYA certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 (or above).
• By passing a test of competence at an RYA recognised teaching establishment.
• Applicants for the inland category must have passed a test of the CEVNI (European Inland Waterways Regulations) at an RYA Recognised Training Centre.

Applicants for the ICC will have shown competence in:

• IRPCS collision regulations.
• Use of safety equipment.
• Pilotage and navigation.
• Boat handling at high and low speed.
• Inland waterway regulations. (CEVNI test required)