Report updated January 2015.

What is “Proof of Competency” and What Does it Cover?

The International Certificate of Competency (ICC) is a set of standards drawn up by a committee of The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. It is designed to be recognized throughout Europe and has various categories covering sailboats, power boats (up to 10m or up to 24m), inland and coastal waters.

Who Issues It and How Do I Get One?

Each country issues it for its own citizens and residents. This is usually done by the national yachting or boating association. It is granted by a) passing the appropriate theory and practical exam, or b) by holding a similar or higher recognized qualification.

What if I am Not a Citizen or Resident of Europe?

See this Noonsite/European page for information on how non-Europeans can obtain an ICC.

Does It Cover the Canals and Rivers in Europe?

For using the inland waterways of Europe, you MUST have the additional endorsement, based on the Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Interieure, commonly known by its initials, CEVNI.

The good news is that the CEVNI exam can now be taken online. 

For the Dutch canals and waterways, there are some additional requirements. See The Netherlands/Documents and Restrictions for more details.

Where Can I Discover What I Need to Know?

This exam is fairly basic seamanship and is straightforward if you study the appropriate booklet first.

A good general booklet is published by Adard Coles: [amazon_textlink asin=’1408122758′ text=’The International Certificate of Competence’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’noonsite-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ea3f6f90-a41e-11e8-9caf-7f60d653f2eb’]

If you would like a useful CEVNI primer, in English, then you can get one from the U.K.’s Royal Yachting Association (Inland Waterways section) website.

A very useful self-test can be found online at www.sailtrain.co.uk.

Is Anyone Likely to Check?

Not all European countries have signed up to this Resolution 40 (as it is known) but Spain, Greece and Portugal, for example, have not adopted Resolution 40 but are still most likely to ask visitors for an ICC!

We have also been advised that the further south and the further inland you go, the more likely it is that your papers will be checked.

Note that while some of the countries listed below do not currently issue ICCs, these contacts may be able to advise on which qualifications available are most likely to be internationally acceptable.

Some Useful Addresses for non-Europeans

America

National Boating Federation, NBF

NBF Director International Relations

Robert P. David

70 Garfield Lane

West Dennis

MA 02670-2321

U.S.A.

Telephone: +1 508 394 5670

Fax: +1 508 394 7236

Email: rpdavid@capecod.net

Australia

Yachting Australia

ICC Certification

Locked Bag 806, Milsons Point, NSW 2061

Australia

Telephone: +61 (0)2 8424 7400

Fax: +61 (0)2 9906 2366

Email: ryatraining@yachting.org.au

New Zealand

Yachting New Zealand

PO Box 91 209

Victoria Street West

Auckland 1142

New Zealand

Telephone: +64 9 361 1471

Fax: +64 9 360 2246

Email: mail@yachtingnz.org.nz

Canada

The International Sail and Power Acadamy

PO Box 185 Parksville

BC, Canada

V9P 2G4

Telephone: 001 250-954-0832

Fax: 001 250-954-0872

Email: admin@ispa.com

Website: www.ispa.com