Certification

CC plus CEVNI

If as a visitor you are planning to use the French canals and rivers, the boat’s skipper must have an ICC certificate as endorsed for Inland Waters (having also passed the CEVNI exam).

Inland waterway regulations come into effect once a vessel is upstream of the seaward limit of each estuary. The category of licence required is determined by the size of craft and the power of the engine.

Paradoxically, hire boat skippers (i.e the most inexperienced) need no qualifications at all (merely some very limited tuition) and this is another reason why hire boats should be treated with caution by more seasoned boaters, especially those piloting their own craft.

The International Certificate of Competence ICC

UN Resolution 40 introduced a Europe-wide helmsman’s licence, known as an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). It is issued after a test of practical ability and knowledge of the ‘rules of the road’, and is available for cruising with a sail boat and/or a motor-driven one, with the test being taken on an appropriate craft.

ICC International Certificate of Competence

The UK (RYA) ICC has six categories. When an ICC certificate is issued, only the categories for which competence has been proven will be validated. The categories include sail, power and inland – it is therefore possible to hold an ICC sailing certificate also validated for inland use through the CEVNI endorsement.

UK nationals and residents can take a course for the ICC at Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised sea schools and training centres. The ICC can also be awarded on production of an appropriate RYA certificate. ICC forms are available from the RYA in the United Kingdom, via the website, or from RYA recognised sea schools that test for the ICC. The application form must be completed and submitted with a passport photograph and copies of practical course completion certificates if applicable. An ICC is valid for 5 years.

It is also possible to take the ICC test at a few places in France, although French boating schools test and issue the French certification as a rule.

CEVNI —