What is An icc Licence?
Are you planning to charter a yacht in Europe or the Mediterranean? Or a skipper who wants to provide evidence of your competence? The ICC licence is the widely recognised certification that allows you to set sail freely throughout the European Union. Here is what you need to know about this licence and how to get one.
What is an ICC Licence?
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) licence is a document issued by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK, providing internationally recognised proof of a boater’s ability to operate a vessel.
The full title of the license is the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, which was adapted after its acceptance under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Inland Water Committee.
The resolution was created to overcome navigation difficulties across countries sharing major rivers in Europe. This has since evolved to become the most widely accepted formal recognition of sailing and motorboat competence in Europe and most parts around the world.
What an ICC Licence is Not?
An International Certificate of Competence (ICC) does not grant you the right to operate any vessel, anywhere in the world. Your ICC only covers the specific categories and limitations shown on the certificate, which may include restrictions on craft type or size depending on how the ICC was obtained.
It is also not a universal or globally recognised boating licence. While widely accepted, the ICC is only recognised in countries that choose to accept it, and local authorities or charter companies may still require additional evidence of competence.
Finally, the ICC does not override the rules of a vessel’s flag state. If you are skippering a boat that is not UK-registered, you must comply with the qualification requirements of the country where that vessel is registered, even when operating it abroad.
Do You Need an ICC Licence for Boating Abroad?
Yes, an ICC licence is usually needed or recommended for boating abroad. Although the licence is not universally mandatory, it is often required for chartering boats and for skippers of their own vessels.
Where is an ICC Licence Needed?
Generally, the ICC licence is needed when chartering a boat in the following areas:
European Inland Waterways: The ICC is a requirement for those navigating Europe’s interconnected network of rivers and canals in countries like France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Mediterranean Coastal and Inland Waters: While a legal requirement in Greece and Croatia, the ICC has not formally been adopted in destinations like Spain and Portugal. However, port authorities and charter companies in these countries will request, on demand, a certificate of competence.
Requirements for ICC Licence in the UK
The path to obtaining an ICC licence in the UK is simple. You are only required to meet the eligibility criteria and prove your competence:
Aged 16 or over.
Physically and mentally fit to operate a pleasure craft.
A UK National or a UK Resident
How to Obtain an ICC Licence in the UK
You can satisfy the RYA’s competence requirements and obtain the ICC in two ways. If you already hold an RYA qualification, you can apply directly without a further practical test. The RYA will review your practical certificates for courses like the Day Skipper or Powerboat Level 2 as evidence for meeting the ICC standards.
For boaters without a current RYA qualification, you can book a direct ICC assessment. This is a one-day practical and theoretical test conducted by an RYA-recognised training centre like NXT Marine. The assessment covers a range of topics from handling skills and pilotage to knowledge of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).
Start Your Journey to ICC Licence with NXT Marine Training
The UK ICC licence is a vital document for boaters in the UK who wish to cruise across borders. At NXT Marine, we provide comprehensive powerboating training needed for obtaining your ICC licence.
Train with us and get the rare chance to learn boating on the Thames, in an experience that is truly exciting and genuinely unforgettable. Get in touch by calling 020 8050 6628 or sending an email to info@nxtmarine.london for more information.