International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

The International Certificate of Competence, or ICC, is a document rather than a course. It's an internationally recognised certificate showing that you are competent to operate a pleasure craft, issued under a United Nations Economic Commission for Europe agreement known as Resolution 40. The RYA now calls it the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, but most sailors and charter companies still say ICC.

For Australians, it matters mainly when you charter or skipper overseas, especially in Europe.

Why Australians chartering overseas care

Australian boating qualifications are organised differently from Europe's, and a foreign harbour official or charter company may not recognise a state boat licence or an Australian course certificate. Several European countries, particularly around the Mediterranean and on the inland waterways, expect the skipper of a charter yacht to carry evidence of competence, and the ICC is the widely understood format for that. Requirements vary by country and can change, so always check with the charter company and the country's authorities before you go.

The key point is that the ICC certifies a qualification you already have. It doesn't replace one.

ICC versus a skipper qualification

• A skipper qualification such as IYT International Bareboat Skipper or RYA Day Skipper is earned through training and assessment. It shows the level you've reached: the size of boat, how far offshore, and in what conditions.
• The ICC is a standard-format certificate issued on the strength of a qualifying certificate or an ICC assessment. It shows authorities in other countries that you meet the Resolution 40 standard, and it's endorsed for power or sail, and coastal or inland waters.
• Charter companies usually want both. IYT itself notes that charter and insurance companies generally won't accept an ICC alone as enough to command a yacht on a week's bareboat charter. They want to see your skipper certificate and sailing experience as well.

How Australians can get one

Australia isn't a Resolution 40 country, and IYT lists it among the nationalities it can issue ICCs to. The usual routes are:

• Through IYT, if you hold a qualifying IYT certificate such as Flotilla Skipper, Bareboat Skipper or Yachtmaster Coastal.
• Through the RYA, if you hold a qualifying RYA certificate such as Day Skipper Practical or higher. The RYA's nationality and residency rules apply, so check its current guidance for non-UK nationals.
• Through an ICC assessment at an approved training centre, if you have the experience but not the certificate.

Applicants must be at least 16 and fit to operate a pleasure craft. The ICC is valid for five years.

Key ideas explained

• Resolution 40 — the UNECE agreement that sets a common standard for recreational skipper certificates, so countries can recognise each other's.
• Endorsements — the ICC states what it covers: sail or power (with a size limit) and coastal or inland waters. Make sure yours matches the boat and waters you'll use.
• CEVNI — the European code for inland waterways (rivers and canals). You need to pass a CEVNI test to get the inland endorsement; the RYA offers a CEVNI test for this.

Getting ready

• Check the charter company's requirements for your destination at least a few months ahead.
• Carry your ICC, skipper certificate, logbook and marine radio certificate together.
• Allow time for postage when applying; the RYA posts certificates.
• Holding a marine radio qualification such as the SROCP helps, as many charter companies ask for one aboard.