31 Essential Facts About ICC Certification: Master the Rules and Sail Croatia
31 Facts About ICC Certification: Who Can Apply and Why You Need It
ICC certification... For many aspiring Mediterranean sailors, the "alphabet soup" of nautical qualifications can be more confusing than a complex navigation chart. Among the most discussed is the ICC certification, or the International Certificate of Competence. If you are planning to charter a yacht in Croatia in 2026, understanding this document is non-negotiable.
Here are 31 essential facts about the ICC certification, who can apply for it, and how it functions as your "driving license" on the high seas.
The Basics: What is the ICC? - Official Name: It is formally known as Resolution No. 40. - UN Sanctioned: It was created by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). - The Goal: It provides a standardized document that proves a boater’s competence when visiting foreign waters. - Not a License: Technically, it is a certificate of competence, not a standalone license, though it is often treated as one by charter companies. - Croatia Requirement: The Croatian Ministry of the Sea explicitly lists the ICC as an accepted document for yacht charter as well as RYA Day Skipper Who Can Apply? - Nationality Matters: You generally apply for an ICC through your own national governing body (like the RYA in the UK). - The RYA Route: If you are a UK resident, British national or from a country that has not accepted resolution 40, you can apply through the Royal Yachting Association. Applying for an ICC with RYA - Non-Residents: Some countries allow non-nationals to apply if they have passed the relevant national exams. - Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to hold an ICC. - Physical Fitness: Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to operate a vessel. How to Get Your ICC - The Assessment: You can obtain an ICC by passing a specific ICC assessment at an approved centre or completing a RYA course that qualifies. - The "Grandfather" Clause: If you already hold an RYA Day Skipper or higher, you can often apply for the ICC without further testing. - Theory Knowledge: You must demonstrate knowledge of the "Rules of the Road" (COLREGs). - Practical Skills: You must prove you can dock, anchor, and recover a man overboard safely. - Categories: You can get an ICC for Power (up to 10m or 24m) and Sail (up to 24m). - Coastal vs. Inland: Ensure your ICC is endorsed for "Coastal" waters if you plan to sail the Adriatic. Validity and Use in Croatia - Chartering Power: Most Croatian charter companies require an ICC or an equivalent national license / RYA license. - The 30 GT Rule: In Croatia, the ICC is generally valid for boats up to 30 Gross Tonnage (GT). - VHF Radio: You must also hold a separate VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC) to legally operate a boat in Croatia. This can be obtained from the port authority in Split or through a RYA centre offering VHF courses. - Expiration: An RYA-issued ICC is valid for 5 years. - Renewal: Renewing is usually a simple paperwork exercise and doesn't require re-testing if your skills are current. 10 Critical "Need-to-Know" Facts - Not Universal: Not every country in the world recognises the ICC (though most of Europe does). - Paperwork: You should always carry the original hard copy; a digital photo on your phone is rarely enough for the Port Authority. - Translation: The ICC is printed in several languages (English, French, Spanish, etc.), making it easy for Croatian officials to read. - Insurance Requirement: Many marine insurance policies are void if the skipper does not hold a valid ICC or equivalent. - Evidence of Competence: Beyond the law, it gives the charter company confidence that you won't crash their €500,000 catamaran. - Training is Key: Simply having the paper isn't enough; you need the actual skill. Sign up for a RYA course and learning to sail in Croatia for more. - CEVNI Endorsement: If you plan to sail inland rivers or lakes in Europe, you need the "CEVNI" endorsement on your ICC. - The RYA Advantage: RYA-issued ICCs are among the most respected in the world. - No Shortcuts: Beware of websites offering "instant" ICCs without an assessment - these are often fraudulent. - Start Now: Processing can take several weeks, so apply well before your holiday starts! Expert Training with Yacht Sail Training
At Yacht Sail Training, we specialise in helping students reach the level of competence required for the ICC. Whether you are taking an RYA Day Skipper course or a bespoke training week, we ensure your skills meet the high standards expected by international authorities.
For more information on the legalities of the ICC, visit the official UNECE Resolution 40 Page. To check the specific list of accepted licenses in the Adriatic, consult the Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.
Ready to get your credentials in order? Read our previous post on the 2026 guide to valid yacht licenses to see where you stand. Or, if you're ready to start your journey, contact Yacht Sail Training today.
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The ICC certification is your passport to chartering a yacht in Croatia.