International Certificate for Pleasure Boat Operators (ICC)

Who is eligible to apply for an ICC?

In accordance with UNECE Resolution 40 (Revision 4), citizens and residents of countries that are signatories to Resolution 40 are required to obtain an ICC from their own national issuing authority, not from IYT. Exceptions are Latvia (**) and the United Kingdom (***). 

IYT can only issue ICCs to citizens of these countries if the applicant provides proof of residency (*) in a country that is not on this list. Find the current list of UNECE Resolution 40 signatories in the next tab "Where required".

For example:

Austria is a country that signed Resolution 40. For instance, the U.A.E., Spain, and Greece did not sign UNECE Resolution 40.

An Austrian national living in the U.A.E., Spain, or Greece who can provide proof of residency in one of these countries would be allowed to receive an ICC from IYT.

(*) Proof of residency (examples): 

• Emirates ID
• Utility bill 
• Property tax bill
• Telephone bill
• Insurance bill

Exceptions:

(**) The government of Latvia has given written permission for IYT to issue ICCs to their own nationals and residents. 

(***) IYT has been authorised to issue ICC’s to United Kingdom Nationals for the past 18 years which are issued on behalf of the British Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The topic is very comprehensive and the list of UNECE Resolution 40 signatories is due to changes.

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for an ICC, please contact us. 
 

What is an ICC and where is it required?

As you may be aware, it is now mandatory to hold a recognized International Certificate of Competency (ICC) if you wish to charter a boat in certain European countries.

The ICC is generally recommended for the coastal waters of most Mediterranean countries. It is strongly advised to check with the charter company or port authorities of any European country before you travel to confirm whether an ICC is required.

The ICC is a product of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Resolution 40. It provides documentary assurance from one government to another that the holder meets the levels of competence laid down in Resolution 40.

Countries Applying UNECE Resolution 40 (as of August 2024 - due to changes):

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

Countries that did not adopt UNECE Resolution 40 but where an ICC may be required by charter companies, boat insurances or Maritime Authorities:

• France
• Greece
• Italy
• Portugal
• Spain

If you have any questions regarding the UNECE Resolution 40 list of countries please contact us. 

How do I know that an ICC is official?

Several training organizations offer "International Certificates of Competency" (ICC). However, not all of these certificates are official or recognized under UNECE Resolution 40.

Approval / Accreditation from Government bodies:

• Only ICCs approved by government bodies are considered "official ICCs" that comply with UNECE Resolution 40.
• The British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is one such government body.
• IYT is authorized by the MCA to issue UK ICCs on their behalf.

What to look for in an official ICC:

• The MCA logo is printed on ICCs issued by IYT, ensuring their authenticity.
• Be cautious of certificates or ID cards that claim to comply with UNECE Resolution 40 "International Certificate of Competence" without proper government approval. These are not official ICCs and may not be accepted for bareboat charters or operating your boat in European countries or other UNECE Resolution signatory countries 

If you have any doubts regarding this matter,  do not hesitate to get in touch with us.