ICC and bareboat charter certification: what do you need to charter a yacht abroad?

You don’t always need an ICC to charter a yacht abroad. There is no federal boating license in the US, but charter companies abroad expect a recognized certification. The ASA 104 and US Sailing Bareboat Cruising certifications are widely accepted, and for a sailboat, charter companies also look closely at your experience, as laid out in your sailing résumé. The ICC is a certificate of competence that some charter companies and authorities require, 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 UN Resolution 40, adopted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. It certifies that a recreational boater has a basic level of competence to operate a pleasure craft in another country’s waters. The US has not adopted Resolution 40 and does not issue the ICC.

It comes in several categories:

• Type of boat: sail, power, or both.
• Size of boat: up to 79 feet (24 meters) under sail; up to 33 feet (10 meters) or up to 79 feet (24 meters) under power, depending on the exam taken.
• Cruising area: coastal waters, inland waters (rivers, canals, and lakes), or both.
• CEVNI endorsement: an add-on for navigating Europe’s canals and rivers.

The ICC is mainly used in Europe and around the Mediterranean.

Is there an international boating license?

No. Unlike a driver’s license, there is no international boating license for recreational boating at sea. On a foreign-flagged charter boat (for example, a yacht charter in Greece), local law and the charter company’s own requirements apply.

As of October 15, 2026, there is no common EU recreational boating license.

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; some companies also run a charter checkout on the water before you leave. So have your certifications checked before your trip.

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 higher certification, such as ASA 105 or ASA 106, or a detailed sailing résumé.

Chartering a sailboat: don’t forget your sailing résumé

Your ASA or US Sailing certification shows your level, but what counts most for a sailboat or a sailing catamaran is your actual sailing experience. A state boater education card is not a bareboat charter certification. The charter company expects a detailed sailing résumé, written in English: trips sailed, boats skippered, areas sailed, and your role on board.

Chartering in Greece: the co-skipper rule

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 license. If you charter a monohull or a catamaran cruise in Greece, send your documents to your advisor as soon as you book.

How can Americans get an ICC?

Since the US has not adopted Resolution 40, the ICC is not issued by ASA or US Sailing. Americans can obtain one from an approved foreign organization, such as an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) training center, for example after the RYA Day Skipper, or an IYT (International Yacht Training) school.

• Process: hands-on and classroom training, followed by an exam.
• Duration: several days of training. Book your course several weeks before your trip.
• Cost: varies depending on the school and the course taken.
• Validity: limited in time, often five years depending on the organization.

Another option is the IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), issued by ASA after the ASA 104 or by US Sailing after its bareboat certification. Many charter companies accept it, but it is not an ICC.

ICC, ASA 104, IPC, VHF certificate: what are the differences?

What other documents do you need to charter abroad?

• Your original certifications: ASA and US Sailing certifications are issued in English, so no translation is needed, but boating license requirements abroad still vary from one destination to another.
• A VHF certificate: in Croatia, a VHF radio certificate such as the SRC is a legal requirement in addition to your certification.
• A sailing résumé in English: trips sailed, types of boats, areas sailed, and your role on board.
• A valid passport for every crew member.

Have your certifications checked by your Filovent advisor

Requirements vary from one charter company to another and from one boat to another. Send your certifications and sailing résumé to your Filovent advisor as soon as you book. They check directly with the charter company what is required for your boat and destination and, if your experience doesn’t meet the requirements, suggest a suitable alternative such as a skippered catamaran charter.