International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC)  

What is an ICC?  The ICC or International Certificate of Competence is documentary assurance from one government to another that the holder is competent, meaning that you don’t have to conform to each country's individual certification requirements. It is not a qualification in its own right.

When do I need an ICC? While the requirements vary from country to country, the ICC is recognised to a greater or lesser extent throughout the EU.  It is of particular importance if you are chartering a vessel in a foreign country, or using the 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.

Is the ICC valid across all of Europe for bareboat charter? Many European countries have signed up to 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. The RYA website provides guidance on boating in Europe and you should always check with a charter company as to the current requirements of the country prior to organising a charter.

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.   

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 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.

Who provides insurance for an ‘own boat’ test? The boat owner or candidate being tested is responsible for the vessel at all times we will not conduct ‘own boat’ tests on vessels which are un-insured.

What is the process for obtaining an ICC? In simple terms, book a test with us, 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 should not be more than 21 days. 

How long does testing take? This depends on the type of endorsement being tested but will typically take half a day. 

What practical skills will I be tested on? We 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.  We are 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.

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).  See below for Assessment costs

Where can I obtain an application form? You can download the ICC application form here.

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. 

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? You can sit the exam with us. 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.

How do I get my ICC endorsed with CEVNI? Firstly ensure you know the CEVNI rules and then register for a test.  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 will 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.

Cost  - per person and does not include cost of Certificate (payable to YA)

• On your boat  -   $300.00
• On our boat   -    $395.00