Planning to charter a yacht in the Med? Here’s what an ICC certificate is, who needs it, and how to get yours through an RYA sailing school in Malta.

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ℹ What Is the ICC?

The ICC (International Certificate of Competence) is a boating license that proves you meet basic safety and navigation standards for skippering a yacht. It’s officially called the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft, and it’s often required when chartering a boat outside your home country.

Issued under the United Nations’ Resolution 40, the ICC is recognised by many countries across Europe — including Italy, Croatia, Spain, and Greece — all popular charter destinations.

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📝 Why Might You Need One?

If you plan to charter a yacht in the Mediterranean, especially in non-tidal waters like Malta, Sicily, or the Balearics, local authorities or charter companies may ask for proof of competence. The ICC certificate is the easiest way to satisfy that requirement.

While not every country mandates it, many Mediterranean charter bases won’t hand you the keys without one. So if you’re planning to rent a boat abroad — even just for a day — the ICC could save you hassle (or outright refusal).

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🛠 How Do You Get an ICC?

If you're a UK national or hold an RYA qualification, the easiest route is through the Royal Yachting Association.

You can apply for the ICC if you have:

✔ Day Skipper practical (sail or motor) — automatically eligible

✔ No RYA certificate — you’ll need to pass a short ICC Assessment

✔ Non-UK citizen? — your country must be a signatory to UNECE Resolution 40, or you must apply via your national sailing authority.

Many RYA sailing schools in Malta offer ICC assessments alongside other courses like Competent Crew or Day Skipper. The whole process typically takes one day and covers:

✔ Boat handling

✔ Collision regulations

✔ Navigation basics

✔ Safety procedures

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🌎 Who Needs an ICC and Where?

Country	ICC Required?	Notes
Italy	✅ Yes	Strongly recommended for bareboat charter
Spain	✅ Yes	Required for foreign sailors
Croatia	✅ Yes	ICC or equivalent local license
Greece	✅ Yes	At least one crew member must hold an ICC or higher
Malta	🚫 No	Not legally required, but often requested by charter firms

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Even if not strictly required in every port, the ICC is your passport to sailing freedom — and proof that you know how to safely manage a yacht. If you're training or chartering in Malta, it’s a smart (and easy) add-on to your RYA sailing course.

🌊 Want to know if you qualify, or need to book an ICC assessment in Malta? Reach out to our sailing school, and we’ll guide you through the process.