International Certificate of Competence
Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School is an RYA appointed test centre for the International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.). The ICC is required by some European countries for certain categories of pleasure craft for both coastal and inland waterways use. In some countries compulsory certificates are required of nationals simply because officials expect to see such a certificate. The test is available for either coastal or inland waters. We are able to offer both tests at Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School. I.C.C. application forms are available at the bottom of this page or we can send you a copy. Whilst some training will be given during the day of the test some previous boat handling experience and knowledge of regulations, (pilotage and navigation - for coastal ICC), (CEVNI* regulations - for inland ICC) are required. *CEVNI = Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieure.
If you are confident that your knowledge and skills are to the required standard, the test should present few problems. Some training on both practical and theoretical skills will be given during the test to help raise you to the required standard. For inland candidates the European Waterways Regulation booklet can be ordered from us and sent to you prior to your course. The ICC form should be completed on the day of the test.
If your knowledge and skills are minimal further time and training will be required, indeed for the coastal qualification we would recommend first taking the RYA Day Skipper shore-based course available at our Centre.
Categories of ICC
There are two categories of International Certificate of Competence (power) relating to length of craft:
1. Powered craft up to 10 metres (assessment to be taken on a craft up to 10m in length)
2. Powered craft 10 metres and over (assessment to be taken on a craft 10m & over in length) Coastal I.C.C.s must be taken on a sea-going vessel.
Inland I.C.C.s may be taken on any motor vessel with the addition of a written CEVNI test.
We have craft that meet the requirements of all the above categories. We reserve the right to fill the course with up to three candidates on our boats:-
Our RIB: a 4. 4metre rigid inflatable sports-boat (40hp outboard). ICC Coastal and Inland for up to 10m can be issued for courses taken on this craft, available mid week by mutual arrangement.
'The Green Parrot': a 22ft Mitchell (inboard diesel with wheel). ICC Coastal and Inland for up to 10m can be issued for courses taken on this craft, available mid week by mutual arrangement.
'Lady Hoby' a 36ft narrow-boat (inboard diesel with tiller). ICC Inland only, for 10m & over can be issued for courses taken on this craft, available mid week by mutual arrangement.
'Sancerre' a 60ft widebeam (inboard diesel with tiller). ICC Inland only, for 10m & over can be issued for courses taken on this craft, available mid week by mutual arrangement.
'Le Coq' : 17metre Luxe motor Dutch barge (inboard diesel with wheel). ICC Coastal and Inland for 10m & over can be issued for courses taken on this craft, available mid week by mutual arrangement.
Your own boat : ICC is dependant on the length and suitability of your craft. Maximum 3 people per boat per day.
Check which boat will suit your requirements best; if it is our RIB, the Mitchell 22, our narrowboat or our wide beam, please establish a couple of suitable dates, midweek, to choose between for your International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.) and contact us to check availability.
When we have confirmed a mutually agreeable date you can forward the completed booking form together with your cheque to secure your place. There is an additional fee, payable separately to the Royal Yachting Association; which needs to be sent together with your ICC application form - after the test has been completed. If you are already a member of the Royal Yachting Association that part is free. The International Certificate of Competence is available to British nationals, nationals of the USA, Canada or other non United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) member countries and British residents.
For clarification please give us a call. You will also need to bring a packed lunch, waterproof clothing and suitable soft-soled shoes.
The course timings are 0930hrs start and finish approximately 1600hrs.






Celebrating 
ICC_syllabus-and-application_form.pdf

