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Recreational : International Certificate of Competency

What is an International Certificate of Competence ?

The ICC is a certified level of competency required when operating a pleasure craft in most European Coastal or Inland waterways.

Uniquely, IYT has been approved by both the UK and Irish Governments to issue ICC s to qualified applicants on their behalf.

How do I obtain an ICC?

Certificates are issued by IYT on receipt of an application form. There are certain residential/citizenship conditions for holding an ICC. See below.

The following items are required when making an application to IYT for an ICC:

ICC Application Form
Either an acceptable IYT Certificate of Competency, or ICC Examination Form completed by the IYT School holding the Examination.
CEVNI Test - if completed
2 passport photos - with name of candidate printed on reverse
Copy of the candidate's passport/National ID
For non-citizen residents proof of residency will be required
ICC will show UK/Irish residential address for non-citizens
ICC Certificate fee

ICC Certificate Fee payable to IYT
U.S. $75.00 plus shipping and handling.

Is there a period of Validity for an ICC?

The ICC is valid for a period of 5 years. It may be renewed by application to IYT

Cancellation or Withdrawal of an ICC

IYT may suspend or withdraw an ICC where the holder has by some action demonstrated that he or she has not complied with the conduct demanded of a holder of an ICC. The matter will be presented before the IYT Training Board for adjudication.

Who may obtain an ICC?

UK or Irish Nationals or (residents with written proof).

For the issue of an international certificate the applicant must:
(a) be minimum age of 16.
(b) be physically and mentally fit to operate a pleasure craft, and in particular, must have sufficient powers of vision and hearing.
(c) have successfully passed an examination or prove the necessary competence for pleasure craft operation by holding an acceptable IYT certificate.

What endorsements are required for different types of vessel?

ICC s are required for pleasure craft up to 24 meters.

The endorsement may be:

Power- for any power driven vessel
Sail - Sailboats with engines will need to have both power and sail endorsements
Coastal - for offshore passages
Inland - for use in the inland waterways of Europe, will need a CEVNI (Inland) endorsement, see below++

What Vessel Sizes are covered?

For those candidates taking a direct assessment in a power vessel, the length of the boat will determine the level of endorsement. This will be either: less than 10 meters, or: 10 to 24 meters.

What skills and Knowledge are required to obtain an ICC?

To receive an ICC, candidates are required to prove competency in handling a boat with sufficient knowledge of navigation procedures, pilotage, safety procedures and the International Regulations for the prevention of collisions at sea. This can be done by examination or by evaluating existing boating qualifications. The examination can be taken on either a powerboat or sailboat depending on the endorsement required and usually takes about 4-6 hours.

Note:

A sailing vessel with an engine requires both power and sail endorsements.

Some IYT Certificates allow an applicant to obtain an ICC without the need for an ICC assessment. See below.

If the candidate does not hold an acceptable IYT Certificate, an application can be made to an authorized IYT training school for an ICC examination. Candidates will be examined on their boat handling skills including departing from a dock, maneuvering in confined spaces, high speed boat handling (power boats), sail handling, sailing a course to steer, navigation, pilotage and weather, man overboard procedures and safe communication with crew.

What IYT Certificates of Competency are recognized for obtaining an ICC without the need for an examination?

IYT Watchkeeper Flotilla Skipper
IYT Bareboat Skipper
IYT Master of Yachts Coastal
IYT Master of Yachts Offshore
IYT Master of Yachts Ocean
IYT Advanced Powerboat Certificate (Powerboat and Rib Master)

++CEVNI - is Code Europeen Des Voies De Navigation Interieure (Revision 2)

You will need to pass an exam to get an INLAND endorsement on the IYT International Certificate of Competence to operate a boat on European waterways. You SHOULD read up on the regulations contained in European Code for Inland Waterways yourself and take the CEVNI examination and/or attend a course.

What is tested in a CEVNI exam?

The examination comprises 16 questions with pictures about signs and signals and questions about general rules, with multiple-choice answers. The pass mark is 12 correct.
The exam covers:

• Sound signals
• Lights and symbols on vessels
• Markings on vessel underway
• Lights and markings for other situations and designated areas
• Passing , crossing, overtaking and entering harbour
• Buoys, berthing and reduced visibility
• Channel markings
• General rules and regulations

WHERE WILL I NEED AN ICC?

(This list is a guide only, all persons planning to operate a veesel in Europe should make sure that the correct documents are carrried). With regard to ICC requirements, generally, an ICC is required when navigating the inland waterways of Europe.

An ICC is usually required in the Mediterranean.

The following states do require ICCs:

Italy, Greece, Croatia, Portugal and Turkey. ICCs, in theory, are not required in Spain on British flagged vessels but the individual Spanish Port authorities have the right to determine who carries what certificates in their waters.

In Northern Europe and Scandinavia, the ICC is generally not required.

Exceptions:

Holland requires an ICC for vessels that are either longer than 15 meters and/or capable of more than 11 knots.
Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia require ICCs.
It may also be useful to have one in Germany.

Notes:

When Chartering In Spain, you will need an ICC.
When Chartering in France and Germany you may need a certificate of competence, the charter company will confirm what is needed. Usually an ICC or IYT Yachtmaster is accepted.
Almost all inland waterways require an ICC with CEVNI inland endorsement.

REVALIDATION OF IYT INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY

1. Original certificate must be returned to IYT for reissue.
2. Return postal address.
3. 2 Passport photos, with name printed on back.
4. Documented proof of UK or Irish Citizenship, ie Passport or Drivers License with photo
   OR
   Documented proof of UK or Irish Residency, for example utilities or cell phone bills.
5. For citizens, the address for inclusion on the ICC.
   (For residents the address on the certificate will be the address of residency)
6. Fee of $75.00 plus necessary postage to send to address offered for return via courier. Please include credit card details for these fees including name on card, card number, expiration date and security code.
7. Mail to International Yacht Training (Licensing Division), Suite 482; 9-3151 Lakeshore Rd; Kelowna, BC V1W 3S9

We do suggest that you make a copy of your certificate before you mail it to us here at IYT. Please allow three weeks for us to process the certificate.