ICC (International Certificate of Competence)

The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) sailing certificate

Bareboat Yacht Charter and Flotilla Sailing holidays in Greece  - To charter a yacht bareboat or sail a yacht in a flotilla in Greece you ideally need to hold a sailing certificate or qualification such as RYA Day Skipper or the ICC (International Certificate of Competence).

The ICC is a useful certificate to have as many countries, not just Greece, require you to hold a certificate of competence when chartering a yacht and the ICC will generally be accepted where proof of competence is required.

Getting your ICC can be quick and simple and will allow you to enjoy the freedom of bareboat yachting and flotilla sailing in the beautiful waters of the Greek Ionian. So, if you are planning to sail or cruise within Europe and the Mediterranean it is a good idea for skippers to hold the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

How to get an ICC

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) and the International Yacht Training Worldwide (IYT Worldwide) can issue ICCs. Any nationality can obtain an ICC.

There are a number of ways to obtain an ICC:

  • If you already have a RYA or ISA Day Skipper certificate or higher qualification or an acceptable IYT Worldwide Certificate of Competency you can send the ICC application form which can be found on the RYA, ISA or IYT website and a photocopy of your sailing certificate to the RYA, ISA or IYT. Or

  • You can take a practical assessment at an RYA Training Centre, an RYA Affiliated Club or an ISA recognised Teaching Establishment authorised to carry out ICC assessments. The syllabus is outlined in the ICC application form. The test lasts approximately half a day to a day and can be taken on your own boat or one provided by a school or club.

The test includes; questions on safety, collision avoidance and for coastal waters; navigation and piloting. If you have no knowledge of navigation or collision regulations then you can arrange for 1-2 days of intensive shore based tuition. If you already have knowledge of navigation, collision regulations and basic boat handling the simplest way to achieve your ICC is to attend a 1 or 2 day assessment course (depending on skill level) or book a day of own boat tuition. Assessments and courses are often ran at weekends.

If you are an RYA member your ICC will be issued free of charge, otherwise there is an administration fee payable. There is also an option to fast track your ICC application (in 1-2 days) for an additional fee.

Bareboat yacht charter and flotilla sailing are the best ways to explore the the Greek Ionian islands and with the ICC sailing certificate you can enjoy the freedom and independence to choose exactly where you want to go, when and at what pace throughout your Greek island sailing holiday.

Island Sailing yacht charter holidays work with a number of excellent RYA sailing schools both in the UK and in Greece.  For information about training centres offering ICC assessments or if you would like to have a general chat about your experience or qualifications call us on 0844 840 1968 or 0044 (0)7970 108699 or email jonny@island-sailing.com