ICC power up to 24 metres LOA
International Certificate of CompetenceThe ICC is a recognized boating qualification that is valid in many countries. It is issued by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and is designed to demonstrate that the holder has the necessary knowledge and skills to operate a boat safely. You can obtain an ICC by presenting an eligible RYA certificate or by taking an assessment of your knowledge and skills. In this page, you can find information about assessments for ICC power (motor boats).
Taught in English
All RYA courses are taught in English. We recommend a minimum level of B1 for 1-day and 2-day courses and a minimum level of B2 for longer courses, theory courses and specialised training, such as SRC (VHF) radio.
Quick facts
Here’s a summary of what you need to know.
RYA ICC International Certificate of Competence
Available for UK nationals and UK residents
Available for other nationalities, including Spanish
For nationals of countries that don’t issue ICC
ICC available power at two levels
ICC power up to 10m & 24m
Accepted in Spain as proof of competence
Since 2021, for UK nationals and UK residents
Drive powerboats up to 24 metres in length
Single and twin drives
The details
Click on the tabs for more detailed information.
The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC) is a certificate that provides evidence of competence when you’re boating abroad. The ICC is the only international evidence of competence that exists for recreational boaters in Europe. Since 2021, the ICC has been accepted by the Spanish maritime authority as proof of competence for UK passport holders and UK residents.
The UK ICC issued by the RYA is issued on behalf of the UK Government under the authorisation of the UK Maritime and Coastguard (MCA).
ICC Assessment of competence
Applicants for the ICC can take an ICC assessment to demonstrate their competence in different categories. The ICC issued by the RYA will reflect the categories that you have been examined for. You can do an ICC assessment for sail or power boating. The sail category applies to sailing vessels up to 24 metres in length. The power category can apply either (1) to vessels up to 10 metres or (2) to vessels up to 24 metres.
The RYA will issue the ICC to UK nationals and UK residents i.e. people who are settled in the UK and whose primary residence is in the UK. Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
The RYA will also issue the ICC to nationals of other countries that have not accepted Resolution No. 40 because they may otherwise be unable to obtain an ICC. However, if the relevant country later accepts Resolution No. 40, the certificate holder will no longer be eligible to have an ICC issued by the RYA and will not be able to amend or renew that certificate.
The UK ICC issued by the RYA is not available to nationals of the following countries that have currently accepted Resolution No. 40: Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Ukraine. Spain has not currently accepted Resolution No. 40 and, for this reason, the RYA will issue an ICC to Spanish nationals.
Nationals of countries that have accepted Resolution No. 40 can only be issued an ICC by the RYA if they are resident in the UK.
Unlike the United Kingdom, Spain requires that skippers hold a boat licence to operate boats flying a Spanish flag. The same rule applies if you buy a boat or rent a boat. Whether or not your ICC is acceptable as proof of competence depends on your nationality, your country of residence and the boat’s flag state.
UK nationals and residents
The ICC is now accepted in Spain as proof of competence for UK nationals and bona fide UK residents. This change in the law came into effect on July 1st 2021.
Other flag states
The acceptance the ICC depends on their specific laws and regulations. It is determined by the legislation of the country where the boat is registered (flag state) and the legislation of the country where the boat is being used (coastal state). Acceptance may vary based on factors like the size and type of the boat, the nationality of the owner, the purpose of use, and whether it involves someone other than the owner or commercial activities.
To know if your ICC certificate(s) will be accepted, you need to check the laws and regulations of the flag state and coastal state.
Vessels with a Polish flag
Poland is an example of a flag state that recognises RYA ICC qualifications obtained by skippers who are neither nationals nor residents of the United Kingdom.
More and more boat owners in Spain are registering their boats with a Polish flag. There are many reasons, including:
Cost: The cost of registering a boat in Poland is significantly lower than the cost of registering a boat in Spain.
Process: The process of registering a boat in Poland is much simpler than the process of registering a boat in Spain.
Freedom: Poland does not have any restrictions on where boats registered in Poland can travel.
Another important reason for the popularity of the Polish flag is that Polish maritime legislation (Act of 21 March 2003 on Maritime Navigation)
ICC Test Preparation Courses
For power up to 10m & up to 24mAt the Boat School, we offer two different itineraries for ICC Power assessments. These courses are modular and build up your knowledge and skills gradually. Your choice of training itinerary will depend on your objectives.
ICC Power up to 10 Meters
This itinerary is for people who want to drive a smaller powerboat, by day and in familiar waters. The course is a 2-day practical course with continuous assessment. It covers the same syllabus as the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. Click on the “Book Now” button to check dates and prices.
If you already have significant experience, you can also choose to complete this level as a 1-day direct assessment, combining one-to-one coaching and assessment.
RYA ICC power 10m
2-day practical powerboat course
ICC Power up to 24 Meters
For power up to 10m & up to 24mThis itinerary is for people who want to drive a larger motor cruiser, usually with twin engines. You will be able to plan a trip and skipper a motor cruiser on short passages.
The training and assessment route map for this category is modular, combining practical courses, an online theory component, an ICC theory exam, and an ICC practical assessment.
Step 1: 2-Day Practical Powerboat Course for ICC Power up to 10 Meters
The first step is to complete the 2-day practical Powerboat course for ICC Power up to 10 meters. If you have already done the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course with the Boat School, you can skip this step.
Step 2: 8-Hour Course Introduction to Cruising
The next step is to complete our 8-hour course “Introduction to Cruising”. This is a blended course that combines study online with an 8-hour practical course. The online theory component includes:
- Buoyage and pilotage
- Course to steer
- Collision Regulations (COLREGs)
- Introduction to chart work
- Position fixing
- Safety
- VHF radio
- Weather
The practical component includes a night sail and a longer passage (usually Denia to Javea). You’ll also get an opportunity to perfect your boat handling skills around the marina. This course includes passage planning, electronic navigation and an introduction to the DSC functions of a fixed VHF radio.
Introduction to cruising
Combined practical & theory course
Step 3: ICC Practical Assessment
The third step involves transitioning to a twin-drive cruising vessel. The first half of the day includes a familiarisation with the safety equipment for a vessel operating in (Spanish) Zone 3 (up to 25NM from land), manoeuvring with twin engines around the marina (departing and docking) and boat handling beyond the harbour. The second half of the day is the actual ICC test practical assessment. This includes departing, mooring to a buoy, anchoring, recovering a man overboard, and coming alongside.
Course Fees for Practical Assessment
Please complete the form below. We will send you more information, including a detailed article about the ICC. We’ll then get in touch to help you plan your personalised itinerary.
Course fees do not include ICC application fees payable to the RYA. These are currently 50 GBP (pound sterling).
Ready to book? Got any questions?
Please use the form below and we’ll get back to you.
Or give us a call on
00 34 639 20 22 97 for a call in English
The Boat School
Recognized by the Royal Yachting Association to conduct Powerboat Training, Sail Cruising courses in the Yachtmaster (sail) scheme and Shorebased (theory) courses.
Recognized by the Spanish Directorate General for Merchant Shipping, the Comunidad Valenciana and the Region of Murcia to conduct sail, motor, powerboat and VHF training.
Operational Base Denia
Marina de Dénia (Sail courses)
Darsena de babor s/n
03700 · Denía
Alicante · Spain
Marina El Portet (Powerboat courses)
Moll de la pansa, s/n
3700 · Dénia
Alicante · Spain
Classrooms & pick up for certificates
Carrer de Fora Mur, 12
03700 · Dénia
Alicante · Spain
Madrid Office
Greenwich Náutica
C/ Marqués de Lema 7, Local 6
28003 · Madrid · Spain