Question 1

What is the International Certificate of Competence (ICC)?

Accepted Answer

The ICC, formally known as the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, is an internationally recognised certificate that proves your competence to skipper a vessel. It is the standard proof of boating ability required by authorities and charter companies across many European coastal and inland waterways.

Question 2

What is the International Certificate of Competence (ICC)?

Accepted Answer

The ICC, formally known as the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, is an internationally recognised certificate that proves your competence to skipper a vessel. It was created under UNECE Resolution No. 40 and is accepted by authorities and charter companies across much of Europe as standard proof of boating ability.

Question 3

Where is the ICC required?

Accepted Answer

The ICC is legally required or strongly recommended in many European coastal and inland waterways, including popular destinations such as the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, the French canals, and other European inland waterway networks. If you plan to charter or skipper a boat abroad, you will almost certainly need one.

Question 4

Do I need to take a test to get the ICC?

Accepted Answer

If you already hold the RYA Powerboat Level 2, no separate test is required. Your existing qualification serves as proof of competence and you can apply for the ICC directly. If you do not yet hold a recognised qualification, a practical assessment will be carried out on the day before the certificate is issued.

Question 5

Is the ICC a training course?

Accepted Answer

No. The ICC is not a training qualification in itself. It is a certificate issued on the basis of existing proof of competence or a practical assessment. If you already hold an RYA Powerboat Level 2, you can apply for the ICC directly. If you do not hold a recognised qualification, you will need to complete a practical assessment first.

Question 6

How long does the ICC assessment take?

Accepted Answer

The assessment is completed in a single day. There is no multi-day training element to the ICC itself. If you need to obtain your RYA Powerboat Level 2 first, that course runs over two days and can be completed with us before you proceed to the ICC assessment.

Question 7

Do I need the RYA Powerboat Level 2 to get the ICC?

Accepted Answer

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is the standard route to the ICC for powerboat operators. Holding a PB2 certificate means you can apply for the ICC for vessels up to 10 metres without needing a separate assessment. If you do not yet hold the Level 2, we can combine both into a single visit.

Question 8

How much does the ICC cost?

Accepted Answer

The ICC assessment costs £330 per person using our centre boat, or £310 per person if you prefer to use your own boat. The certification fee is included in both prices, so there are no additional charges on the day.

Question 9

How long does the ICC assessment take?

Accepted Answer

The ICC assessment runs over one day. The certification fee is included in the course price, so there are no additional charges to obtain your certificate on the day.

Question 10

Does the ICC expire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ICC certificates issued through the RYA are valid for five years. You will need to renew your certificate before it expires. Renewal is straightforward provided you still hold a valid qualifying certificate such as the RYA Powerboat Level 2.

Question 11

How much does the ICC assessment cost?

Accepted Answer

The ICC assessment costs £330 per person using our centre boat, with a maximum of three people. If you would like to use your own boat the price is £310 per person. The certification fee is included in both prices.

Question 12

Can I get the ICC on my own boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer the ICC assessment on your own boat at £310 per person. If you plan to use your own vessel, please get in touch before booking so we can confirm your boat meets the necessary requirements for the assessment.

Question 13

Which countries accept the ICC?

Accepted Answer

The ICC is accepted across a wide range of European countries including France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Turkey, and many others. It covers both coastal and inland waterways depending on the endorsement on your certificate. It is always worth checking the specific requirements of the country you plan to visit before you travel.

Question 14

Is the ICC the same as a driving licence for boats?

Accepted Answer

In practical terms, yes. The ICC functions as the internationally recognised standard proof that you are competent to skipper a pleasure craft. While there is no legal requirement to hold a boating licence in UK waters, the ICC is widely required by authorities and charter companies when boating in European waters.

Question 15

Do I need the ICC to boat in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No. There is currently no legal requirement to hold the ICC or any other boating licence to skipper a vessel in UK waters. The ICC is specifically designed for European waters where proof of competence is legally required or expected by charter companies.

Question 16

Does the ICC expire?

Accepted Answer

ICC certificates issued through the RYA are valid for five years and will need to be renewed on expiry. Renewal is straightforward if you still hold a valid qualifying certificate such as the RYA Powerboat Level 2.

Question 17

Can I get the ICC if I already hold the RYA Powerboat Level 2?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you already hold the RYA Powerboat Level 2, you are eligible to apply for the ICC without needing to sit a separate practical assessment. Our one-day ICC course will take you through the process and issue your certificate on the day.

Question 18

What is the difference between the RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the ICC?

Accepted Answer

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is a training qualification that teaches and assesses your practical powerboating skills. The ICC is not a training course but a certificate of competence recognised across European waterways. The two work hand in hand: you complete the Level 2 to build and prove your skills, then use it as the basis for obtaining your ICC for boating abroad.

Question 19

How do I apply for the ICC after completing my Level 2?

Accepted Answer

Once you hold the RYA Powerboat Level 2, you can book our one-day ICC assessment. We handle the application process on your behalf and your certificate is issued on the day. There is no need to apply separately through the RYA yourself.

Question 20

What is the difference between the ICC and the RYA Powerboat Level 2?

Accepted Answer

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is a training qualification that teaches and assesses your practical powerboating skills. The ICC is not a training course but a certificate of competence that is recognised internationally. The two work together: you complete your Level 2 to build and prove your skills, then use it as the basis for obtaining your ICC, which is the document you will need when boating abroad.

International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

Your Passport to Boating Abroad

Enquire About an International Certificate of Competence Course

Who Is International Certificate of Competence For?

Already hold RYA Level 2

Planning to boat in Europe

Looking to charter overseas

Frequently asked questions

What is the International Certificate of Competence (ICC)?

What is the International Certificate of Competence (ICC)?

Where is the ICC required?

Do I need to take a test to get the ICC?

Is the ICC a training course?

How long does the ICC assessment take?

Do I need the RYA Powerboat Level 2 to get the ICC?

How much does the ICC cost?

How long does the ICC assessment take?

Does the ICC expire?

How much does the ICC assessment cost?

Can I get the ICC on my own boat?

Which countries accept the ICC?

Is the ICC the same as a driving licence for boats?

Do I need the ICC to boat in the UK?

Does the ICC expire?

Can I get the ICC if I already hold the RYA Powerboat Level 2?

What is the difference between the RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the ICC?

How do I apply for the ICC after completing my Level 2?

What is the difference between the ICC and the RYA Powerboat Level 2?

Why Pwllheli Powerboat Training Centre

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