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Many Mediterranean charter companies and port authorities now expect sailors to hold an International Certificate of Competence before taking charge of a yacht abroad. Designed for sailors with previous experience, these ICC preparation courses and assessments focus on practical skippering, yacht handling and navigation skills at a level similar to RYA Day Skipper.
Sailing sessions are focused around the practical skills and decision-making expected during the ICC assessment process. Depending on the option chosen, guests may complete a standalone assessment, a shorter refresher weekend or a more in-depth five-day training course designed to strengthen confidence before assessment day. Practical exercises include yacht handling under power and sail, anchoring, pontoon manoeuvres, navigation exercises and man overboard recovery procedures.
Longer five-day courses provide additional time to revisit sailing techniques, build confidence skippering and spend more time handling the yacht in different conditions around the Solent. Training is adapted around the experience level of those onboard, allowing more time to focus on weaker areas before assessment. Throughout the course, Theo provides practical coaching based on real-world sailing situations rather than purely theory-led instruction.
Accommodation for the weekend and five-day course options is aboard a Bavaria 39’c yacht equipped with shared cabins, integrated heating and onboard facilities for liveaboard training. Depending on scheduling, joining the evening before departure may also be possible.
Tidal streams, busy marinas and varied coastal sailing routes make the Solent one of the UK’s strongest environments for practical skippering and yacht handling development. Conditions regularly change throughout the day, helping candidates gain experience working through realistic navigation and boat handling situations.
Shamrock Quay Marina provides quick access to central Solent sailing areas without lengthy delivery passages before training begins. Routes and exercises may vary depending on weather conditions, tides and the confidence level of the crew onboard.
This is not a beginner-level sailing course or assessment. Candidates should already have practical sailing experience and feel reasonably confident handling a yacht under both sail and engine power before attending.
Preparation courses are available for sailors who want to refresh skills before assessment or improve confidence around marina manoeuvres and navigation. The minimum age requirement for the ICC is 16 years old.
Practical sailing ability and confidence are prioritised throughout every session rather than simply teaching candidates how to pass an assessment checklist. Theo’s experience sailing throughout the South Coast, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Far East helps bring realistic skippering knowledge into each exercise onboard.
Smaller group sizes create more opportunities for direct coaching, practical helm time and repeated manoeuvre practice during the course. Training takes place aboard a commercially coded Bavaria 39’c yacht inspected annually by the RYA for operational and safety standards.
The International Certificate of Competence is commonly requested by charter companies and port authorities in parts of Europe, particularly within the Mediterranean. It acts as proof that the holder has the practical ability to safely operate a yacht at a recognised standard.
Requirements vary between countries and charter operators, although many sailors choose to obtain an ICC before arranging yacht charters abroad. Holding the certificate can help simplify charter paperwork and local authority requirements.
The standalone ICC assessment is intended for experienced sailors who already feel fully prepared and simply need formal assessment for certification. It focuses on demonstrating practical competence during a shorter assessment session.
The five-day course provides significantly more time for coaching, refresher training and practical skippering experience beforehand. Many sailors choose this option if they have not sailed regularly for some time or want to strengthen their confidence before assessment.
Candidates are assessed on practical yacht handling both under sail and power, including manoeuvres such as confined-space turns, coming alongside pontoons, anchoring and man overboard recovery exercises. Navigation awareness, safety knowledge and collision regulations also form part of the assessment.
The aim is to demonstrate safe, competent handling of a yacht in realistic situations rather than completing isolated exercises without context. Calm decision-making and good seamanship are important throughout the session.
Once issued, the ICC certificate is normally valid for five years before renewal is required. Renewal procedures can vary depending on the issuing authority and any updated requirements in place at the time.
In the UK, the RYA oversees and issues ICC certificates. Sailors who already hold certain RYA qualifications may also be eligible to apply directly through the RYA without completing a separate assessment.
Accommodation is included for guests joining the weekend refresher or five-day course options. Training takes place aboard a Bavaria 39’c yacht with shared cabins, onboard heating and liveaboard facilities throughout the stay.
Living onboard also helps candidates become more comfortable with daily yacht routines and practical seamanship outside of formal sailing exercises. Guests may also be able to join the evening before departure depending on availability.
Comfortable layered clothing suitable for UK sailing conditions is recommended, along with non-marking footwear and personal overnight items for weekend stays. Wet weather gear is available onboard, although many guests prefer to bring their own sailing clothing.
Sleeping bags, towels and pillowcases are not included and should be brought separately. Sailing gloves and waterproof bags can also help make practical training more comfortable during poor weather.
Many Mediterranean charter operators accept the ICC as proof of competence for bareboat yacht chartering, particularly when combined with previous sailing experience. Some charter companies may also request additional information such as sailing logs or previous qualifications.
Requirements can vary between countries and operators, so checking directly with the charter provider before travelling is always recommended. The ICC is widely recognised internationally, making it one of the most commonly requested sailing certificates for chartering abroad.
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