International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
What is the International Certificate of Competence (ICC)?
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is a standardized qualification recognized under United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Resolution No. 40. It serves as evidence of a person’s competence to operate pleasure craft, including both sailing and motor vessels, in international waters. The ICC is particularly valuable for recreational boaters navigating inland and coastal waters across Europe and beyond.
Why Is the ICC Important?
Endorsement: What It Allows
Often based on a “Small Powerboat” or “Powerboat ≤10 m” qualification.
Requires more advanced qualifications, and capacity to handle larger craft.
All ICCs issued with the sail category validated also have the power category validated for vessels up to 10m LOA to allow the holder to drive a tender with an outboard engine.
No assessment possible. Applicant must hold the RYA PWC Proficiency certificate (link)
The certificate’s questions/assessment focus on coastal navigation, pilotage, tides, buoyage etc.
Usually requires passing a CEVNI examination (Code Européen Des Voies De Navigation Intérieure, or European Code for Inland Waterways) in addition to regular assessments.
As of 2024, the ICC is formally recognized in the following countries that have adopted Resolution Number 40:
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Finland
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Even in countries that have not formally adopted Resolution No. 40, such as Greece, Spain, and Portugal, the ICC is often accepted, albeit on a discretionary basis. We recommend researching online before your charter or rental to ensure you’re informed and aware of the specific requirements in each country.
How can I obtain my ICC?
If you are a national of one of the countries listed above that have adopted Resolution No 40, you must coordinate with the relevant governing body responsible for issuing the ICC in your country. This might involve assessments or obtaining national certifications.
If you are not, or hold a second nationality of a country that has not adopted Resolution No. 40, we can assist you in obtaining an ICC issued by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).
How can I get my ICC issued by the RYA?
Proof of competence
ICC Assessment with sailing <24m endorsement (plus auxiliary engine)
What the endorsement means
Authorises the holder to operate sailing vessels up to 24 m (this endorsement includes Power ≤10 m as most sailing yachts carry small tenders). This is the standard ICC Sail endorsement used for bareboat charter on typical monohulls and catamarans up to ~24 metres.
Typical assessment content
Theory (navigation, buoyage, collision regs, safety), plus practical sail handling: leaving/returning to berth, mooring/berthing, buoy work, short passages, sail handling, man-overboard, anchoring and pilotage.
Typical duration: 4 hours minimum
Cost: €450 per person (including use of the tuition boat, assessor fees, fuel and safety equipment)
Upon succesful completion of this assessment, you will receive an assessment completion report, recommending you for the issuance of an ICC with a sailing <24m endorsement (plus auxiliary engine). This will be enclosed in your application to the RYA for the issuance of an ICC (see below).
ICC Assessment with power <10m endorsement
What the endorsement means
Authorises the holder to operate power-driven pleasure craft up to 10 metres LOA. This is the most common “power” endorsement for yacht tenders, RIBs and small motorboats.
Typical assessment content
Practical boat-handling (tight manoeuvring, slow speed control, coming alongside, leaving berth), man-overboard recovery, anchoring, basic navigation and collision regulations relevant to coastal work.
Typical duration: 4 hours minimum
Cost: €450 per person (including use of the tuition boat, assessor fees, fuel and safety equipment)
Upon succesful completion of this assessment, you will receive an assessment completion report, recommending you for the issuance of an ICC with a power <10m endorsement. This will be enclosed in your application to the RYA for the issuance of an ICC (see below).
ICC Assessment with power <24m endorsement
What the endorsement means
Authorises operation of larger motor vessels (typically motor cruisers, with (semi) discplacement hulls and accommodation facilities/galley, meant for multi-day trips).
Typical assessment content
More advanced boat handling (higher displacement, docking larger craft), skipper decision-making, navigation and pilotage for coastal passages, safety equipment management, emergency procedures.
Typical duration: 4 hours minimum
Cost: €450 per person
(including use of the tuition boat, assessor fees, fuel and safety equipment)
Upon succesful completion of this assessment, you will receive an assessment completion report, recommending you for the issuance of an ICC with a power <24m endorsement. This will be enclosed in your application to the RYA for the issuance of an ICC (see below).
Holders of certain RYA certificates can apply directly to the RYA for an ICC. Since these certificates are awarded after successful completion of the relevant practical courses, no separate ICC assessment is required.
This is an excellent option for those with no prior boating experience, or for anyone who would like to develop or refresh their skills through structured training rather than attempting a direct ICC assessment.
Below is a list of the eligible RYA certificates and the corresponding ICC endorsement(s) they qualify you for:
May support larger endorsements with additional evidence/logs.
Widely accepted proof of sailing competence.
Mandatory for operating on European inland waterways (rivers, canals). Short written/online test.
Application process
You can apply for your ICC directly through the RYA, either online via ICC portal or by post. The application must be completed and submitted by each applicant individually.
This is what you will need for an application:
- A digital copy (photograph or scan) of your passport or a national ID card showing your nationality*
- A digital copy of a document which confirms your habitual residential address as detailed in ICC-2 Notes: Evidencing identity and eligibility.
- Collectively these documents must verify your identity (name, address, date of birth, photograph) and your nationality.
- Evidence of your competence for each of the categories you request are validated on your ICC as detailed in ICC-3 Notes: Evidencing boating competence **
- A photograph in portrait orientation
- Payment of the application fees (£59.00 for non-RYA members)
* If you do not have a passport or a national ID card showing your nationality you can only apply to the RYA for an ICC using the paper application form.
** In case you are applying for an ICC after a successful assessment, we will provide you with the corresponding Assessment Syllabus Certificate(s), to include in your application.
If your application is successful your ICC will be sent by post to your residential address. Sending the ICC to the address printed on the certificate is part of the RYA’s verification process for the issue of the certificate. The ICC will not be posted to any address other than the one printed on the certificate.
