ICC - International Certificate of Competence (Sail)

The ICC is the most widely recognised certificate of competence, for those planning to sail or cruise outside of the UK. This qualification is required by most charter companies within Europe and the Mediterranean.

The ICC assessment is run over  a 2 day weekend, with a maximum of 5 students onboard. This assessment is suitable for competent sailors with previous yacht skippering experience. For those who's sailing is limited, or who have no previous skippering experience, we would recommend taking the Day Skipper practical course instead.

 The assessment is a mix of theoretical and practical elements. Before you join us; you should be familiar with basic collision regulations, safety onboard, weather forecasting, basic chart work and pilotage. The practical side of the assessment covers manoeuvres under power, man overboard situations, picking up a mooring buoy and sailing a triangular course.

If your navigation is a little rusty, we would recommend that you take the RYA Day Skipper shore based course prior to attending an ICC weekend. This will give you the necessary chart work  and planning skills.

For holders of the RYA Day Skipper practical course completion certificate, the Coastal Skipper practical course completion certificate, or the RYA/ MCA Yachtmaster Coastal/ Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence - no further assessment is required. These certificates are of a higher level to the ICC.

If you hold any of the certificates listed above, you can apply directly to the RYA for an ICC, by submitting a copy of the ICC application form along with a copy of your certificate. This is free for RYA members and £45 for non members.

Please be aware that due to the RYA processing a huge amount of ICC applications at the moment, the turn around time for certificates is currently 3-4 weeks. A fastrack service is available, with a 5 working day turnaround. 

If you are intending to take a boat through the European Inland Waterways system, i.e. canals, rivers, lakes etc. applicants must have passed a test called the CEVNI (European Inland Waterways Regulations). 

Teaching ratio on board 5:1

Not included in the course fee: Although accommodation is provided onboard, the mooring fees are split between the students. Wet weather jackets & salopettes are available to hire for £7.50 per day. A selection of accompanying course books & logbooks are available to purchase.

2024 Dates

- 06/  07 April 2024

- 11/ 12 May 2024

- 22/ 23 June 2024

-20/ 21 July 2024