What is the ICC from IYT?

The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) issued by IYT (International Yacht Training Worldwide) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates your competence to operate a pleasure craft or yacht in foreign waters.

The ICC was originally developed under UNECE Resolution 40 (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), and it is often required when chartering or operating boats in European and Mediterranean countries (e.g., Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain, France).

Advantages of Taking the ICC from IYT

1. Global Recognition

IYT is one of the few training organizations authorized to issue the ICC that complies with UNECE Resolution 40.

The ICC from IYT is accepted in most European countries and many others worldwide as proof of competence for recreational boating.

2. Easy Chartering Abroad

Many yacht charter companies (especially in the Mediterranean) require an ICC to rent a boat.

Holding an IYT-issued ICC makes the process smoother and avoids local licensing issues.

3. Practical, Competency-Based Training

The ICC is awarded after practical and/or theory assessment, ensuring that you genuinely understand seamanship, navigation, rules of the road, and safety.

If you already hold an IYT qualification (like IYT Bareboat Skipper), you can automatically qualify for the ICC without additional testing.

4. Recognized Pathway through IYT Courses

If you train under IYT, progression is seamless: International Crew → Bareboat Skipper → ICC → Yachtmaster, etc.

This provides a clear professional and recreational development path.

5. Convenience and Support

IYT operates through a network of recognized schools worldwide, making it easy to take the course and get your certificate locally.

Who Is Eligible for the IYT ICC?

Eligibility can depend on your boating experience or existing qualifications, but generally:

Option 1: Hold an IYT Certificate

If you already have IYT Bareboat Skipper, IYT Flotilla Skipper, or higher — you are automatically eligible to apply for the ICC without further testing.

Option 2: Take the ICC Assessment

If you do not have an IYT certificate, you can take an ICC practical and theory assessment at any authorized IYT training center.

You must demonstrate:

• Knowledge of COLREGs (rules of the road)
• Basic navigation and chartwork
• Boat handling under power and sail (as applicable)
• Safety and seamanship

Minimum Requirements:

Age: Usually 16 years or older

Medical: Physically fit and able to operate a vessel safely

Experience: Some boating experience is recommended (especially if applying directly)

Countries That Accept the IYT ICC

The IYT-issued ICC is recognized in countries that have adopted UNECE Resolution 40 or those that accept the ICC as an international standard of competence for pleasure craft operators.

Widely Accepted In:

• Croatia
• Greece
• Italy
• France
• Spain
• Portugal
• Turkey
• Norway
• Finland
• Sweden
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Ireland
• Czech Republic
• Poland
• Hungary
• Serbia
• Lithuania
• Malta
• Montenegro
• Slovenia

Also commonly accepted (though not formally signatories) in:

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Thailand
• Caribbean and Mediterranean charter companies

Always check with your charter company or local maritime authority before traveling, as local acceptance can vary slightly.