RYA Powerboat Training Courses

International Certificate of Competence ('ICC') courses

Download information sheet (includes ICC form)- Click PDF logo

An ICC is often considered as the international 'boat driving licence' (see Note 1). It is often required by countries/operators if you wish to use your own craft abroad or to charter one.

As of 1st January 2005 the system for ICCs changed. There became the following 'classes' of ICC:

Power - < 10m, Coastal
Power - < 24m, Coastal
Power - < 10m, Coastal + Inland
Power - < 24m, Coastal + Inland
Sail - Coastal (includes Power ICC < 10m, Coastal)

ICCs for vessels < 10m are obtained via the Powerboat Scheme whilst < 24m ICCs are obtained via the Motor Cruising Scheme - or tests on your own vessel of such a length. To obtain the 'Inland endorsement' you need to undertake an additional short test - the 'CEVNI' test - see below.

You can gain your ICC in one of two ways:

Undertake the RYA Motor Cruising Dayskipper Course. Passing this course successfully allows you to apply for the ICC.

Or...

Undertake an ICC Direct Assessment. This can be just a half day assessment by a qualified tester (we run such tests) or could form part of an ICC Course. There is no predefined structure for an ICC Course as it is bespoke to the needs of the individual. Typically it will last c2-3 days else if it lasts 4 then you may do better to undertake the Dayskipper course instead and gain both qualifications. Please note that for your Examiner to pass you you will need to display a level of competence across a variety of areas at a level comparable with the standard reached on a Dayskipper course.

Read more about Dayskipper Practical - here

You can gain your ICC in one of two ways:

Undertake the RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course. Passing this course successfully allows you to apply for the ICC.

Or...

Undertake an ICC Direct Assessment. This can be just a half day assessment by a qualified tester (we run such tests) or typically actually runs for a day allowing a bit of time to to be invested 'brushing up' on some areas. Please note that for your Examiner to pass you you will need to display a level of competence across a variety of areas at a level comparable with the standard reached on a Level 2 course. From speaking to many people over the years we often find that whilst an individual may have boated for years they will struggle to pass the ICC tests as they are lacking in many of the theoretical areas. More often than not people choose to undertake the full Level 2 course

Read more about Powerboat Level 2 - here

CEVNI stands for Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieure, which loosely means the Rules, or collision regulations, for the European Inland Waterways.

The test consists of 14 questions on the lights, shapes and sound signals on the inland waterways of Europe. It should take no longer than an hour to complete.

Reading the RYA publication European Waterways Regulations is absolutely essential if you want to pass the CEVNI test as the answers to some of the questions are not ones that can be guessed.

To actually attain your ICC you will send a copy of either your Dayskipper/Level 2 Certificate with the ICC form or if we have undertaken an ICC test then we will have signed off the ICC form. If you have taken and passed a CEVNI test then we will have signed off that section of the form too. The cost is about £38 to the RYA who will issue your certificate - if you are an RYA member then this is free.

Note 1: In contrast to a car driving licence the holder of the ICC has no rights as the ICC is simply evidence of competence. Countries choose to accept the ICC as evidence of capability but are not obliged to do so. In practice we are yet to hear of a country that does not recognise the ICC.

Note 2: Please note that RYA 'rules' state: “This certificate is available only to British citizens and bona fide British Residents over the age of 16. Evidence of residency for non-citizens will be required in the form of a photocopy of a driving licence, utility bill, Council Tax bill or bank statement etc. Further authenticated evidence of residency for non-citizens may be required. The ICC is acceptable for British citizens or residents using a British flagged vessel for leisure. Other countries may accept the ICC for their native flagged vessels.”