International Certificate Of Competence
What is an International Certificate of Competence?
Having a skipper license is not enough for a yachtsman to sail through the seas of Europe and the Mediterranean. Many countries like Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Spain and Portugal now require yachtsmen to have an International Certificate of Competence. Some of the reasons why this accreditation is important and how to obtain it will be discussed in this article.
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
ICC has been regulated by the Resolution #40 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Inland Water Committee, that calls for governments to issue to its nationals who want to enter the water territory of foreign states, to ensure it had followed the requirements and conditions set in the said resolution.
In the United Kingdom, the authority that issues this certificate is the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), but the International Yacht Training Worldwide (IYT) is deemed the most competent authority to get this certificate globally.
To be able to acquire this certificate, a yachtsman or a sea vessel operator must go through the set training courses offered by RYA or IYT. However, you may opt not to undergo such courses but must pass the ICC assessment to prove your competence.
The RYA awards the ICC to anyone who had undergone and proved their competence on the Day Skipper Practical Course or the Power Boat Level 2 Course.
In obtaining ICC from IYT, you need to pass the ICC examination or obtain IYT certificate of competence in one of the following IYT courses: Yachtmaster Coastal, Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate 200 Tons, Yachtmaster Ocean, Yachtmaster Offshore, Small Powerboat & Rib Master, International Watchkeeper/Flotilla Skipper International Boat Skipper, Master of Yachts Limited, or Master of Yachts Unlimited.
Basically, anyone who is already a holder of a skipper license or anyone who has met the minimum requirements can obtain the International Certificate of Competence by passing the ICC assessment or other examination set by either the RYA or the IYT.