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ICC (International Certificate of Competence) 

is an internationally recognized certificate confirming your legal competence to operate a recreational vessel in many European countries.




Requirements

The candidate must be at least 16 years old.

Applicants must hold any certificate IYT from Bareboat Skipper level or complete this course together with the ICC course.

Applicants must hold a VHF certificate or complete the VHF/SRC course together with the ICC course.

Applicant must not be a citizen of a country that has adopted UNECE Resolution 40 or he needs proof his residency in another country (id or passport).

⚠️ Important Notice


The ICC is not a replacement for a skipper license.
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) serves as internationally recognized confirmation of your qualification to operate a recreational vessel abroad.

When is an ICC course needed?

• If you plan to sail abroad
• If you do not hold a national skipper license issued by your country

You generally do not need an ICC in your national waters if you already hold a valid skipper license from your country.

Countries that have adopted UNECE Resolution 40

In accordance with UNECE Resolution 40 (Revision 4), citizens and legal residents of the countries listed below — which are signatories to Resolution 40 — must obtain their ICC from their own national issuing authority, not from IYT.

(As of May 2016)

Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

United Kingdom: IYT has been authorized for many years to issue ICCs to UK nationals and residents on behalf of the British Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).


If you already hold an IYT Bareboat Skipper (or higher) certificate and a VHF Radio Operator certificate:

You only need to pass the ICC theoretical and practical assessment. The price is €200 for the ICC assessment plus €150 for the issuance of the ICC plastic card.

If you do not hold any IYT certificates:

Complete the IYT Bareboat Skipper and VHF Radio Operator (SRC) courses with us, and you will receive your ICC certificate together with your IYT certificates.

What’s Included in the Course Price


• Access to the online theory courses: IYT Bareboat Skipper and IYT VHF Radio Operator
• Accommodation in a double (DBL) cabin, including bed linen
• Practical training on a yacht with a certified captain-instructor
• IYT Skipper Logbook
• All required textbooks and study materials
• Theory and practical exams
• Meals on board (including meals for the captain-instructor)
• ICC certificates  – €175 (issued after successful exams)
• Fuel, final cleaning, and insurance – €100
• Marina fees

(Additional expenses for the entire training period are typically about €300, excluding the cost of certificates)

The ICC sailing course covers the essential knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate a recreational sailing vessel:
• Nautical terminology and onboard safety procedures
• Vessel inspection and checkout before departure
• Boat handling under power
• Man-overboard procedures
• Anchoring techniques
• Sail theory and sail handling
• Basic rope work and knots
• Basic meteorology
• Navigation and chart work
• Tides and currents
• Buoyage systems
• International Collision Regulations (COLREGs)
• Basic first aid
• Responsibilities of the skipper



How long does it take and what do you get?

In just 7 days, you can obtain your internationally recognized ICC Certificate and legally charter and skipper a yacht worldwide.

7 days
7 days – for students without certificates 

24 meters
Maximum yacht length you can command - 78 feet / 24 meters long

20 miles
In coastal waters up to 20 miles offshore in good weather

Prices and dates for 2026


ICC Certification in Montenegro, Turkey, France, Spain

€ 1180.00 
Payment Conditions

  • Advance payment: €500
  • Full payment: due one month before the practical training date.

Send Request
  • Available dates
  •  March 21–31 — Turkey, Fethiye
  •  April 25 – May 2 — Turkey, Fethiye
  •  April 17–25 — Montenegro, Kotor
  •  April 25 – May 2 — Montenegro, Kotor
  •  May 2–9 — France, Toulon
  •  May 30 – June 6 — Turkey, Fethiye
  •  October 24–31 — Turkey, Fethiye


Comfortable 3 cabin yachts / 2-3 WC  Check-in 17:00 / Check-out: 9:00

ICC Certification in Estonia, Pärnu

€ 1090.00 
Payment Conditions

  • Advance payment: €300
  • Full payment: due one month before the practical training date.

Send Request
  • Available dates
  • May 19–29
  • June 14–24
  •  July 3–14
  •  July 16–26
  •  July 28 – August 7
  •  August 30 – September 7
  •  September 18–28
  •  October 12–22

Yacht Oceanis 393 – 3 cabins / 2 WC  Check-in / Check-out: 12:00
ICC Issuance Policy

ICC Issuance Policy


In accordance with UNECE Resolution 40 (Revision 4), citizens and legal residents of the countries listed below — which are signatories to Resolution 40 — must obtain their ICC from their own national issuing authority, not from IYT.

Exceptions apply to the United Kingdom.

In addition, applicants who can provide proof of legal residency in a country not listed below may be eligible to obtain the ICC through IYT.

Examples of acceptable proof of residency:

  • Residence card

  • Utility bill (electricity or gas)

  • Property tax bill

  • Contract for rent a property

  • Insurance bill


Countries that have adopted UNECE Resolution 40

(As of May 2016)

Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

United Kingdom: IYT has been authorized for many years to issue ICCs to UK nationals and residents on behalf of the British Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).


Validity

The ICC certificate is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed.

At Yacht Challenge, you can complete your training in English, German, Russian, or Estonian.


Training captains is a creative process. We don’t simply ask you to memorize information — we help you understand the principles of navigation, feel confident at the helm, and learn how to make the right decisions in every situation

1,000+ happy customers and over 20 years of experience.

Join us, become our client, and experience the quality of our service. Give the gift of unforgettable moments and bring joy to your loved ones.

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