What exactly is the ICC?

The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is proof that you’re competent to operate a recreational vessel. It’s widely requested for European coastal and inland boating under UNECE Resolution 40.

Who actually issues the ICC?

The ICC is issued by the RYA. We provide the training, assessment and guidance you need to qualify and apply.

Only if you want Inland on your ICC. You can take our RYA CEVNI Online test and add Inland after you pass.

Send an enquiry or call 07960 694 572. We’ll confirm the right pathway, arrange training or a direct assessment, and help with the RYA application.

RYA ICC Course – get certified to skipper boats abroad

RYA Certified Training Courses

International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

From £199.00

The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is an internationally recognised certificate used to evidence your ability to operate a recreational vessel abroad. It’s widely requested when chartering in Europe, cruising inland waterways, or taking your own boat overseas, and it’s issued in accordance with UNECE Resolution 40.

If you’re planning to charter in the Mediterranean, explore European canals, or cruise coastal waters outside the UK, the ICC can help you meet local requirements and demonstrate competence when requested. (For inland waterways, you may also need a CEVNI endorsement depending on where you’ll be boating.)

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Course Overview & What You’ll Learn

The ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft) is a practical way to demonstrate competence abroad and is issued in accordance with UNECE Resolution 40. The certificate can be issued with different categories depending on how and where you intend to use your vessel.

Types of ICC (categories)

Power

Power (up to 10m) – for operating power craft up to 10 metres
Power (up to 24m) – for operating power craft up to 24 metres

Sail

Sail – for sailing vessels (category depends on assessment/qualification route)

Waters

Coastal – for coastal waters
Inland – for inland waterways (often requires CEVNI endorsement)

How to gain an ICC (3 common pathways)

1) Use an eligible RYA qualification (common route)

If you already hold the right RYA practical certificate, you can typically apply for an ICC covering the relevant category.

2) Train and qualify (recommended for most people)

RYA Powerboat Level 2 is a common route for ICC (Power) for smaller craft.
RYA Day Skipper (Motor) Practical is a common route for progressing to higher motor cruising competence and can support an ICC application depending on category.

3) ICC Direct Assessment (for experienced boaters)

If you don’t hold an eligible certificate but already have the skills, Resolution 40 allows for competence to be demonstrated via an assessment/examination for the categories you need.

This can be arranged as a half-day or full-day assessment, depending on your experience and the category sought.

Who Is This Course For?

The ICC is ideal for boaters who need to evidence competence when operating or chartering a recreational craft outside the UK.

This is especially relevant for:

People chartering abroad (e.g., Mediterranean)
Boat owners taking their own vessel overseas
Inland waterway cruisers (canals/rivers) who may need CEVNI endorsement
Experienced skippers who want to validate their competence via Direct Assessment
Anyone unsure which ICC category they require (we can advise based on your plans)

Experience Required & Entry Requirements

There’s no single “one-size-fits-all” entry requirement for an ICC, because you can obtain it via different routes (using an eligible certificate or via an assessment). Resolution 40 requires applicants to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and ability, either by presenting a recognised certificate or passing an examination/assessment.

In practice:

If you’re newer to boating, training (e.g., Powerboat Level 2 / Day Skipper practical) is usually the best route
If you’re experienced, the ICC Direct Assessment may be suitable
For inland use, you may also need CEVNI depending on your cruising area

Course Duration, Price & Certification

The cost and duration depend on the route you take (training course vs direct assessment) and which categories you need validated on your ICC.

Key points:

Price: From £199.00 (route-dependent)
Certification: International Certificate of Competence (ICC) issued in accordance with UNECE Resolution 40
If you require Inland validation, a CEVNI endorsement may be needed (based on where you’ll be boating)

If you tell us where you plan to boat (coastal/inland, power/sail, vessel size), we’ll recommend the most efficient route and confirm what’s required.

Course Locations & Training Areas

Training and assessment options are delivered across the Solent, using conditions that are ideal for practical boat handling, close-quarters manoeuvring and skipper-level decision-making.

Typical training areas include:

Hamble Point Marina and surrounding Solent waters
Southampton Water
Local marinas and tidal waterways (route-dependent)

Once we understand the ICC category you need, we’ll confirm the best location and format for your training or assessment.

FAQs

Which categories can I add to my ICC?

What are my routes to an ICC?

Is classroom training required?

What’s included in the £199?

How long does the ICC last?

Do I need CEVNI?

Can you assess me on my own boat?

I charter in the Mediterranean — will an ICC be accepted?

Can I hold both Power and Sail on one ICC?

How do I start?

Customer Reviews

“Cloud Nine is a fantastic boat that handles the sea well-lots of power to get on the plane and kept going if you wanted it. My wife who is not the most confident boater said she wasn’t worried as the boat always felt planted to the water. Rob is a really great guy very laid back and gives you confidence going over the boat and its equipment to give you a great day out on the water.”

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Martin Gordon

“Rob skippered us and our 35ft Sailboat from Portishead to Falmouth. We encountered weather and issues on the boat which without Rob’s leadership, skill and confidence would have caused us to turn back. On the 36 hour journey Rob was consistently professional and friendly, providing coaching and friendly pointers throughout. The entire journey felt like a very easy lesson and we will benefit for many years to come from Rob’s advice and the simple standards he set aboard. Can’t thank him enough and will definitely be in touch in future!.”

Ricky Velai

“Great School, great instructors, great boat, highly recommend taking course with these guys. Instructor Ramos was a great teacher”

Antony Clark

Do you have a question?

Not sure about something? No need to worry, we are here to help and are happy to answer your questions. Send us a message using this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.