International Certificate of Competence

The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, commonly known as the International Certificate of Competence or ICC, provides evidence that a skipper has demonstrated an internationally recognised level of boating competence.

You may be asked to produce an ICC when sailing, cruising or chartering a yacht outside the UK, particularly in Europe and the Mediterranean. It is frequently requested by bareboat charter companies and may also be requested by officials in the country you are visiting.

However, the ICC is not a universal international boat licence. Requirements vary according to the country, the vessel’s flag, the type and size of boat and whether you are using coastal or inland waters. You should always check the requirements of your intended destination and charter operator before travelling.

At BOSS, we offer a practical ICC sailing assessment weekend for experienced sailors who already have suitable yacht skippering ability.

What Is the International Certificate of Competence?

The ICC is intended to provide evidence of competence when requested by officials in a foreign country. It was created under United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Resolution No. 40.

The UK Government has authorised the Royal Yachting Association to issue the UK ICC on its behalf. The certificate is issued only for the vessel and waters categories for which the applicant has provided acceptable evidence of competence.

An ICC is normally valid for five years, after which it must be renewed.

Do I Need an ICC to Sail or Charter Abroad?

Whether you need an ICC depends on where you are sailing and the vessel you intend to use. Some countries formally recognise or require it, while others may accept it as convenient evidence of competence without having adopted Resolution No. 40.

A charter company may also require an ICC as part of its own booking conditions, even where the certificate is not specifically required by national law.

Before booking your holiday, check:

• The requirements of the country you will be visiting
• The flag state of the yacht
• The requirements of the charter company
• The size and type of vessel covered by your certificate
• Whether you will be using coastal or inland waters

The RYA provides current country-specific information and guidance about where an ICC may be accepted.

Who Can Apply for a UK ICC?

Applicants must normally be at least 16 years old and physically and mentally fit to operate a pleasure craft.

Eligibility also depends on nationality and residence. In particular, nationals of countries that have adopted Resolution No. 40 may normally obtain an ICC from their own national authority unless they are resident in the UK.

Because nationality and residency rules can change, you should check the current RYA ICC eligibility guidance before paying for an assessment or training course.

How Do You Get an ICC?

There are two principal routes to obtaining a UK ICC.

Apply Using an Existing RYA Qualification

Many RYA practical course completion certificates and RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence can be used as evidence when applying for the appropriate ICC categories.

For sailing yachts, someone holding a suitable RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate or a higher eligible qualification may normally apply directly to the RYA without completing a separate ICC assessment.

The categories added to the ICC will depend on the qualification and supporting evidence supplied with the application.

Complete an ICC Assessment

Experienced sailors who do not hold a qualifying certificate can demonstrate their competence by completing an ICC assessment at an approved test centre.

An ICC assessment is intended to assess existing ability. It is not a beginner sailing course or a substitute for developing the practical experience required to take charge of a yacht safely.

ICC Assessment Weekend with BOSS

The BOSS ICC sailing assessment is run over two days, normally across a weekend. There is a maximum of five students on board, allowing candidates to demonstrate their practical yacht handling, navigation and seamanship skills.

The weekend is suitable for competent sailors who already have previous yacht skippering experience. Candidates should be comfortable taking responsibility for a yacht and crew and handling a sailing yacht under both sail and power.

The assessment may include:

• Preparing a yacht and crew for departure
• Safety procedures and crew briefings
• Yacht handling under power
• Yacht handling under sail
• Man overboard recovery
• Picking up a mooring buoy
• Navigation and pilotage
• Collision regulations
• Weather awareness
• General seamanship and skippering decisions

View BOSS ICC assessment dates, prices and booking information.

Is the ICC Assessment Suitable for Beginners?

No. The direct ICC assessment is designed for experienced sailors who already possess the required practical and theoretical knowledge.

If you have limited sailing experience, have not previously skippered a yacht or need more structured instruction, the RYA Day Skipper Practical course is normally the better route.

Day Skipper provides proper instruction in taking charge of a yacht, managing a crew, navigation, pilotage and practical boat handling. Successful candidates can then use their eligible course completion certificate when applying for the appropriate ICC categories.

Preparing for Your ICC Assessment

You should revise navigation, pilotage, buoyage, safety procedures, weather and collision regulations before attending an assessment.

If your navigation knowledge is limited or rusty, the RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship online course provides a useful introduction or refresher.

Candidates who need more comprehensive navigation training should consider completing an RYA Day Skipper Shorebased course before attempting the practical assessment.

ICC Inland Waters and the CEVNI Test

If you intend to use European canals, rivers or other inland waterways, you may need the Inland Waters category added to your ICC.

To obtain this category, you must pass a CEVNI test covering the signs, signals and navigation rules used on European inland waterways.

You can complete the online CEVNI assessment with BOSS.

Applying for Your ICC

The ICC itself is issued by the RYA rather than by the training centre. After obtaining the necessary evidence of competence, you must submit an application to the RYA with the required identity, nationality and qualification documents.

ICC applications are normally free for qualifying RYA members. Non-members must pay the current application fee, although joining the RYA when applying may be more economical.

Processing times vary, particularly during the main sailing season, so apply well before your intended charter or overseas sailing trip. Always use the current application form or the RYA online application service.

Check current RYA application requirements and processing information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ICC an international boat licence?

The ICC is more accurately described as evidence of boating competence. It is not a universal licence that automatically permits you to operate every boat in every country.

Can I obtain an ICC with an RYA Day Skipper certificate?

An eligible RYA Day Skipper Practical certificate can normally be used as evidence when applying for the appropriate ICC categories, subject to the RYA’s current eligibility and application requirements.

How long is an ICC valid?

A UK ICC is normally valid for five years. It must then be renewed through the RYA.

Can a complete beginner take an ICC assessment?

The direct assessment is not suitable for beginners. Candidates should already have practical yacht skippering, navigation and boat-handling experience. Beginners should normally work towards RYA Day Skipper instead.

Do I need CEVNI for coastal sailing?

CEVNI is associated with the Inland Waters category. It is not normally required solely for the coastal waters category.

Does every charter company accept the ICC?

Requirements vary. Contact the charter company before booking and confirm exactly which certificates and endorsements it expects the skipper to hold.

Book an ICC Sailing Assessment with BOSS

BOSS runs two-day ICC assessment weekends from Hamble Point Marina for experienced sailors who wish to demonstrate their competence for the Sail ICC.

Accommodation is provided on board during the weekend. Mooring fees are shared between the students, and wet-weather clothing can be hired if required.

View available ICC assessment weekends or call BOSS on 02380 457733 to discuss whether an ICC assessment or Day Skipper course is the right route for your experience.

Information reviewed: 20 June 2026. ICC eligibility, acceptance, fees and processing arrangements can change. Always consult the latest RYA guidance and check the requirements of your destination and charter company.