Training + assessment: typically 2–3 days afloat. Direct assessment: approximately half a day (subject to conditions and candidate experience). · Leisure skippers wanting internationally recognised proof of competence
ICC — International Certificate of Competence
The UN-recognised leisure boating licence — training and on-water assessment for skippers chartering or cruising in European and Mediterranean waters.
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is widely recognised as evidence of basic boating competence for skippers wishing to charter or operate boats in many European and Mediterranean countries. Our ICC training and assessment helps you gain the skills and confidence to enjoy international cruising safely.
The ICC is aimed at leisure skippers who want a formal document proving their competence when chartering or using their own boat abroad. It is particularly useful in the Mediterranean, where charter companies and port authorities frequently ask for it. The certificate is normally issued for power or sail vessels up to 24 metres in coastal waters, subject to category endorsements and national rules.
Two routes are available. ICC with training is a short practical course covering the required skills and knowledge, followed by on-water assessment — ideal if you want to refresh or build confidence before being assessed. Direct assessment is for experienced skippers who already meet the eligibility criteria and simply need the certificate; we run a short pre-assessment briefing, then the practical test.
What's included
- Pre-course review of your experience to confirm the best route (training + assessment, or direct assessment)
- Boat handling under power (and sail where the sail endorsement is requested)
- Coming alongside, leaving a berth, mooring and anchoring
- Man overboard recovery under power and sail
- IRPCS collision-avoidance rules, buoyage and basic pilotage
- Safety equipment, engine checks and emergency procedures
- On-water practical assessment by an RYA-appointed examiner
- A short oral / theory check on rules of the road, buoyage and safety
- ICC certificate issued via the RYA on successful assessment (subject to eligibility, category and any sail endorsement)
Upcoming dates
No scheduled dates listed yet — get in touch and we'll find dates that work for you.