International Certificate of Competence - ICC

If you are planning to hire a Boat whilst on holiday abroad, or thinking of taking your own boat to a foreign country, you will need to hold an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

You can gain your UK RYA ICC at Solent Sea School. We offer an RYA Approved International Certificate of Competence - UK (RYA) ICC - course over one, two  three or four days, depending on your previous experience.

What is the International Certificate of Competence?

"The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (known in the UK as the International Certificate of Competence (ICC)) is documentary assurance from one government to another that the holder meets the required levels of competence." RYA - The origins and scope of the ICC

A UK ICC permits UK Citizens and UK residents to take UK registered pleasure craft (of no more than 24m length) to visit the waters of certain foreign states, without having to comply with those states’ Cabotage laws, particularly their national certification requirements.

The ICC is widely accepted as proof of the holder’s competence. Spain, Greece and Portugal for example, are likely to ask visitors for an ICC.

Please note that the ICC is not an alternative to individual national qualification requirements. So whilst some states may accept UK (RYA) ICC as an alternative to their national qualification on their nationally flagged vessels, you should ALWAYS check that it is acceptable by those foreign states you intend to visit.

The RYA's advice to anyone planning to charter abroad is to get details from the charter company (preferably in writing) of the certification they require.