The International Certificate of Competence is the paperwork charter companies and harbour offices ask for when you want to drive a powerboat abroad without a local licence. Issued under UNECE Resolution 40 and applied for through the RYA for UK nationals and residents, it proves you meet an international recreational boating standard, usually for craft up to ten metres.
Most UK skippers arrive via RYA Powerboat Level 2: two days on the water, then an ICC application without a separate exam. No Level 2 yet? You can sit a direct ICC assessment with theory and practical handling tests instead. Add CEVNI if inland European canals are on the itinerary.
The ICC lasts five years, not forever. Renewal is administrative, not a full re-test, but your details are rechecked. Hire desks do not care how many sea miles you have if the card is expired.
Skippers who confuse ICC with Level 2 arrive at the marina with course certificates but no international credential. The charter desk is unmoved by enthusiasm.
If you hold RYA Powerboat Level 2, ICC application uses that qualification without extra exam. Direct ICC candidates face theory and practical assessment.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesInternational Certificate of Competence for operators of pleasure craft, issued in the UK through RYA under UNECE Resolution 40. It proves recreational boating competence for hire and cruising abroad.
It is a certificate of competence, not a replacement for local laws in every country.
Many European countries require ICC or equivalent for hiring powerboats. Requirements differ by nation and water type.
Check destination rules before travel. Adventuro centres can advise common Mediterranean and inland requirements.
Most candidates complete RYA Powerboat Level 2 then apply for ICC. Without Level 2, sit direct ICC assessment at an RYA training centre.
Leave a comment when you book if you need ICC bundled with training to hit a charter date.
Level 2 holders apply without further test. Direct applicants take theory and practical assessment covering handling, safety and COLREGs.
Do not assume sea experience alone substitutes for ICC paperwork hire desks want.
Endorsements for power up to 10m, sailing vessels and inland categories depending on what you are assessed on. Match the card to your charter craft.
Personal watercraft may need separate endorsement categories.
Five years from issue. Renewal through RYA typically without full re-test but with eligibility review.
Set a calendar reminder at year four. Expired ICC ruins a fly-and-hire holiday.
RYA ICC is for UK nationals and UK residents. Other nationals apply through their own sailing authorities.
UK-based expats with residency may qualify; confirm with RYA before assuming.
Level 2 is the practical course teaching boat handling. ICC is the international certificate proving competence, often gained by applying with Level 2.
You can hold Level 2 without ICC if you never boat abroad. Charter abroad usually needs ICC.
For many European inland waterways, yes. CEVNI is a separate theory endorsement on your ICC.
Coastal-only cruising may not need it. Canal itineraries do.
Sixteen for ICC application through RYA. Some centres set higher ages for certain assessments.
Younger skippers need guardian arrangements on hire contracts even with qualifications.
adventuro lists RYA Powerboat Level 2 and direct ICC assessment centres. Compare whether ICC application support and CEVNI are included.
Book training weeks before your charter so paperwork clears in time.
From £ 325
North Wales, United Kingdom
From £ 345
North Wales, United Kingdom
From £ 425
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom