International Certificate of Competence (ICC)

The RYA International Certificate of Competence is proof of your ability as a skipper, whether for leisure or professional use.

A certificate can be gained by passing an exam at the level of Advanced Powerboat, Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean.

The exam will include knowledge of regulations, safety, pilotage, navigation and practical boat handling on pontoons and buoys as well as man overboard exercise.

CEVNI

CEVNI stands for Code Européen des Voies de Navigation Intérieure. It is the code governing navigation on the interconnected European inland waterways and is the basis of the various countries' own regulations.

Signs, rules and procedures for navigating the European inland waterways are all included within the CEVNI code and in the same way as pleasure craft on coastal waters are expected to abide by the COLREGS, pleasure craft on the inland waterways of Europe, which in places are heavily utilised by commercial traffic are expected to know and follow the CEVNI code.

If you require an ICC valid for use on inland waters, you must learn the CEVNI code and sit the CEVNI test. The "RYA European waterways regulations (the CEVNI rules explained)" publication G17 provides the information you need to learn the code in a clear and concise way. The CEVNI test is a short multiple choice paper - a sample paper is available and this can also be found at the back of the book.

Sailing Ventures will confirm successful completion of the test by signing the relevant section of the ICC application form - there is no separate certificate. In addition to the passing the CEVNI test, you must present a qualifying RYA practical course completion certificate or pass an ICC practical test and be eligible to be issued with an ICC.