Do you need an ICC to hire a boat abroad?

Not always. It depends on your destination and your charter company: most Mediterranean charter companies ask for an RYA Day Skipper or higher, and many also ask for an ICC. For a sailing yacht, they also look closely at your experience, as set out in your sailing CV. There is no international boating licence: the ICC is a certificate of competence that some charter companies and authorities ask for, depending on the destination and the type and size of the boat.

What is the ICC (International Certificate of Competence)?

The ICC (International Certificate of Competence) was created by Resolution 40 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). It certifies that a recreational skipper has a basic level of competence to skipper a pleasure craft in another country’s waters. The UK has adopted Resolution 40, and the RYA issues the ICC on behalf of the government.

It comes in several categories:

• Type of boat: sail, power, or both.
• Size of boat: up to 24 metres under sail; up to 10 metres or up to 24 metres under power, depending on the qualification held.
• Sailing area: coastal waters, inland waters (rivers, canals, lakes), or both.
• CEVNI endorsement: an add-on for navigating Europe’s canals and rivers.

Note: the ICC is not a licence in itself. It is an internationally recognised record of your competence, based on your RYA qualification or an ICC assessment.

Is there an international boating licence?

No. Unlike a driving licence, there is no international boating licence for recreational sailing at sea. Each country applies its own rules:

• On a UK-flagged boat, UK rules apply, even in foreign waters, although local authorities may still ask for proof of competence.
• On a boat chartered locally, under a foreign flag (for example for boat hire in Greece), the rules of the country concerned and the charter company’s requirements apply.

There is no common European boating licence: each country sets its own rules, and most European countries that have adopted Resolution 40 accept the ICC.

When might you be asked for an ICC?

Requirements depend on the charter company and the base manager

In practice, it is often the charter company that decides. Two charter companies in the same destination may have different requirements, and the base manager checks your documents at check-in, so get your qualifications confirmed before you travel.

Boat size matters

On a bareboat charter, the bigger the boat, the more demanding the charter company may be about your qualifications. For a large yacht, it may ask for a Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster Coastal, or a detailed sailing CV.

Chartering a sailing yacht: remember your sailing CV

Your RYA certificate shows your level, but what counts most for a sailing yacht or a sailing catamaran is your actual sailing experience. The charter company expects a precise sailing CV, written in English: miles sailed, boats skippered, areas and role on board.

Do you need an ICC to charter in Greece?

Greek charter companies pay particular attention to the skipper’s qualifications, especially for sailing. On a bareboat charter, Greek regulations also require a second experienced crew member on board, the co-skipper, who must have sailing experience; some charter companies also ask for a qualification. For a monohull or a catamaran cruise in Greece, send your documents to your adviser as soon as you book.

How do you get an ICC in the UK?

The RYA issues the ICC to UK residents and to nationals of countries that have not adopted Resolution 40. You apply online via the RYA, through one of two routes:

• With an RYA qualification: if you hold the Day Skipper practical or higher, or Powerboat Level 2 for powerboats up to 10 metres, you can apply directly, with no further exam.
• With an ICC assessment: without an RYA qualification, you can take a practical and theory assessment at an RYA training centre.
• Cost: the RYA issues the ICC free of charge to RYA members and charges a fee to non-members; an ICC assessment is priced separately by each training centre.
• Timing: allow a few weeks before you travel.
• Validity: five years, renewable.

Tip: in many destinations, your RYA qualification and a good sailing CV are enough, but an ICC can save you awkward questions at check-in.

ICC, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, SRC: what are the differences?

What other documents do you need to charter abroad?

• Your original certificates: RYA certificates are issued in English, so you do not need to have your boating licence translated.
• The SRC (Short Range Certificate): the operator’s VHF licence, needed to use a marine VHF radio. In Croatia, it is a legal requirement in addition to your qualification.
• A sailing CV in English: passages sailed, types of boats, areas, role on board.
• A valid passport for every crew member.

Have your qualifications checked by your Filovent adviser

Requirements vary from one charter company to another and from one boat to another. Send your certificates and sailing CV to your Filovent adviser as soon as you book. They check directly with the charter company what is required for your boat and destination and, if your profile is not a match, suggest a suitable alternative such as catamaran hire with a skipper.