Apr 10, 2025
What licence to I need to charter a boat abroad?
Russell Lake
International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for Operators of Pleasure Craft
One of the questions we are most commonly asked at Sailing Course Online is What licence to I need to charter a boat abroad? The answer is the ICC, the International Certificate of Competence
What is the ICC and do you need one?
In this article we cover the key points of where you can use your ICC and how to obtain one.
RYA practical certificates are widely respected internationally, and many countries will happily accept them as proof of your competence to sail in their waters on UK flagged vessels or rent a vessel to you whilst on holiday.
However, it is each countries’ choice whether to accept our RYA certificates. Some countries may accept the ICC as an alternative to their national qualification on their nationally flagged vessels, but this should never be assumed, as the ICC was never intended to be an alternative to Flag State qualification requirements.
History of The International Certificate of Competence ICC
The ICC is a product of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Inland Water Committee (UN ECE IWC) Resolution 40 (hereafter called Resolution 40). This states that the ICC may be issued by a government of one state to its nationals and residents who may be on the waters of a foreign state, on condition that both accept the requirements and conditions set out in Resolution 40.
Governments may appoint competent authorities to issue ICC on their behalf. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is authorised by the UK.
The ICC provides documentary assurance from one government to another that the holder meets the levels of competence laid down in Resolution 40. However, the acceptance of Resolution 40 is often caveated.
The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft created in Resolution 40 is now more commonly referred to as the International Certificate of Competence or simply ICC. The ICC is only applicable where the visited state has also adopted or recognises the ICC as a valid standard of competency.
How do I get an ICC?
You can apply for an ICC online via the Royal Yachting Associationwebsite.
In short you must be over the age of 16 and a UK resident and you must be able to provide evidence of competence; for example:
If you apply for an ICC and use your RYA Powerboat Level 2 you will be issued an ICC to skipper a vessel oversees on a powered vessel up to 10 meters in Length Overall (LOA).
If you hold a RYA Day Skipper Motor or Sail Practical Course please note that RYA Day Skipper Online Theory or knowledge to this level is required before attending the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course.
ICC Direct Assessment
There is an option to take an ICC Direct Assessment at an RYA Practical Training Centre, although these are not widely available and are generally only used by yacht owners taking the assessment onboard their own vessels.
Does you ICC last forever?
The certificate is valid for 5 years
Do we need any other qualifications?
Yes, an SRC radio operator’s licence is required by most charter companies and is a legal requirement for at least one person on a vessel with a marine radio.
RYA SRC/ Marine Radio VHF from Sailing Course Online
Where is your ICC valid?
| Country | Resolution 40 | Evidence of competence? |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Applied | Required. ICC recommended |
| Belgium | Applied |
Coastal: (from 1 January 2022) required for vessels over 15m in length
or capable of more than 20km/h (approx. 11 knots), otherwise there is no
specific requirement for evidence of competence other than that
stipulated by the vessel's flag state. Inland: ICC required for vessels over 15m in length or capable of more than 20km/h (approx. 11 knots), otherwise not required |
| Croatia | Applied | Applied Essential. ICC recommended |
| Denmark | The skipper should have the relevant UK national certificate | |
| Finland | Applied | Not required |
| France |
Visitors to France on foreign flagged boats are required to have the
licence required by the vessel’s flag state. Further information for RYA
members. Coastal: It is recommended (particularly in the Mediterranean) that you carry any certificates you have with you. Inland: ICC recommended as it demonstrates knowledge of the CEVNI regulations |
|
| Germany | Applied |
Coastal Waters including Zone 1 and 2 waterways: there is no maximum
length for which the German 'Sportbootführerschein' is valid for coastal
waters therefore acceptance of the ICC should have no upper length
limit. Inland Zone 3 and 4 waterways: required. ICC accepted for vessels of less than 20m in length except the River Rhine. River Rhine: required. ICC accepted for vessels less than 15m in length. |
| Greece | Yes. ICC recommended | |
| Ireland | Applied | Not required |
| Italy | Coastal: Yes. ICC recommended | |
| Italy |
Coastal: Yes. ICC recommended Inland: check locally |
|
| Malta | ICC recommended especially for motorised craft | |
| Netherlands | Applied |
Coastal: not required Inland: ICC required for vessels over 15m in length or capable of more than 20km/h (approx. 11 knots), otherwise not required |
| Norway | Applied | Not required |
| Poland | Applied | Required. ICC recommended |
| Portugal | Required. ICC recommended | |
| Spain | Required. ICC recommended | |
| Sweden | Not required | |
| Switzerland | Applied | Essential. The ICC is only sufficient for visitors - Swiss residents require a Swiss licence |
| Turkey | Applied | Required. ICC recommended |
