YOU NEED AN ICC

If you’re considering bareboat chartering in the Med, note that the skipper now needs an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). What? When did the rules change? They haven’t. “Holding proof of competency has always been required by administrations,” says Steve Crockett, training manager at Coastguard Boating Education (CBE). “It just hasn’t been policed. It may be that much of the new competency drive originates with insurance companies.”

Many boaties querying the ICC, he adds, are somewhat miffed to discover that their CBE Day Skipper, CBE Boatmaster or even NZ Yachtmaster Coastal certificates have no standing beyond our waters.

“That’s because our local certificates have no practical component or practical assessment. For example, a person can be the holder of a NZ certificate without ever having set foot on a boat.”

An ICC, he points out, is NOT the boating equivalent of the EU road license, which all EU member states are obliged to accept.

There are two ways of obtaining an ICC in NZ: providing evidence of completing a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) or UKMCA course of study e.g. RYA Day Skipper Practical. Note: NZ Day Skipper or Boatmaster certificates are invalid. Alternatively, undertaking a practical assessment at an RYA Recognised Training Centre. CBE is the local agent for the RYA. The assessment has both written/oral and practical elements. The syllabus and what you may expect in the ICC practical assessment can be found on Page 3 of the ICC Application form (see www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/42/international-certificate-of-competence-icc/). IF YOU’RE UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHAT YOU MAY NEED, CONTACT YOUR CHARTER COMPANY FIRST AND, IF NECESSARY, CALL COASTGUARD BOATING EDUCATION ON 0800 40 80 90.