Need ICC for Spain/Portugal?

M

mixmaster

Well-Known Member
Joined
19 Feb 2007
Messages
528
Visit site
We're sailing down to the Western Med this summer. Do I need an ICC? From previous experience, we were boarded off North Spanish coast, documents were checked but there was no mention of any certificates of competence.

Thanks.
 
Answer below is dangerous, it is in theory required, I have been semi asked and often presented without being requested.

They are not difficult to get but better safe than sorry
 
Not difficult to get but as someone in process of setting off it's another bill and even worse, another piece of admin!
 
IIRC you require the certification demanded by the country where the vessel is flagged. So as the UK does not require certification, you don't need an ICC.

But much of Europe does require ICCs and not every official knows the rules. So it is prudent to have one - though I've only been asked once in 6 years.

If you have an RYA certificate such as Coastal Skip, they will issue one for you.
 
In the strictest interpretation of international maritime law you dont need one because they are not compulsory in UK. However if you are involved in any incident in a harbour you will be asked to prove your competance even if someone hit you whilst you are moored. All the locals will be able to produce theirs (even if they were granted by driving a small rib to qualify for a motor yacht). The marine police in france, spain and portugal all can all get stroppy but are satisfied with ICC and radio licences. NB make sure any handheld VHF is on your licence, the spanish seem to have a real thing about them.
 
I'll go with JS on his reply

I've never been asked for it but I do pass it over as a matter of course along with the boats docs in marinas.
Plus I would say for sure that if anything was to happen out the ordinary someone would ask for it, especially the Spanish.(or maybe the insurance co.)

Err on the side of caution ! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

------------------------------------------------------------
 
I/we do not posses a ICC. I am aYachtmaster offshore and my wife is YM Ocean. The ICC is a VERY simple test which realy proves nothing. It certainly does not prove competancy-in my opinion
 
Not my call really is it. You're well qualified and all it would take would be for you both to apply to the RYA with those qualifications and you would get a ICC with no test and nothing else to prove.
But it's how the Latino bureaucracy look upon you or anyone else for that matter without an ICC. They (Latino's) are quite pragmatic when the mood takes them.
Do you want to take that risk ?
Because I don't !

-----------------------------------------------------
 
Never been asked, mind you I reckon it depends on what boat you are in and whether you demonstrate any kind of knowledge or boat handling when enyering a harbour. I dont have one, but have a boat masters licenec from my charter days in Dartmouth, which I will produce if ness.
I reckon better safe than sorry. Get one if you can.
 
Hi we got boarded two weeks ago by portuguese officials by the bridge at the bottom of the Rio Guardiana (the river bordering spain and portugual). Along with all our other documents they most definitely wanted to see a skippers license. I have an ICC so it was no problem. If you are able to get one, then it is very usefull. However, we have never been asked for it anywhere else in over 5000 miles of cruising!
 
As you have been told, theoretically you do not need one. In practice, many port officials are accustomed to asking for, and seeing, 'driver's licence' from their locals and they see no reason why you should not be able to produce one in the same way. Try arguing with an official in their language to explain that the UK does not see fit to issue such a licence. Or alternatively, get yourself an ICC and save yourself the trouble.

I have been asked to show my 'driver's licence' on several occasions in the past five years. Saved me a lot of problems, even if not strictly necessary. In the current climate I would not even think of going to Spain without one.
 
[ QUOTE ]
As you have been told, theoretically you do not need one. In practice, many port officials are accustomed to asking for, and seeing, 'driver's licence' from their locals and they see no reason why you should not be able to produce one in the same way. Try arguing with an official in their language to explain that the UK does not see fit to issue such a licence. Or alternatively, get yourself an ICC and save yourself the trouble.

I have been asked to show my 'driver's licence' on several occasions in the past five years. Saved me a lot of problems, even if not strictly necessary. In the current climate I would not even think of going to Spain without one.

[/ QUOTE ]

I entirely agree and have experienced precisely the same situations. Ok, there have been ports where they have not specifically asked for the ICC, but there have been others (as well as the Guardia Maritimo boarding us offshore) that have demanded it.

Frankly, if one has almost ANY RYA issued cert. you should get one from them by return. Like vzv_cox I wouldn't dream of heading for Spain (or Portugal) without one.
 
Even a humble RYA non-tidal day skip can get you an ICC.
Decided against it (too many beer tokens) a year ago, then had my DS stolen in a car jacking, so thinking about it again.
 
I have this sneaky suspicion it would be easier to get one now before going than to prove to some minor official later that you do not need one.
 
Mixmaster......

I would suggest you get one, it will save all the 'worry' between here and there. If you have D.S and join the RYA you will be given one free of charge!

The bottom line is.....bureaucracy or not, jusy get it over and done with, then you can enjoy your sailing.

I get the impression you are looking for 'approval and justification' as to why not to get one.

Sorry if this sounds harsh dude /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Chox

P.S Forgot to say that the Spanish and Portuguese are Masters of the Universe when it comes to red tape. You do NOT want to argue with their police or customs.
 
Sailed through Both Spain and Portugal, never asked at all. Papers shown at marinas and the marine police offices in Portugal were SSR and insurance, filled out their numerous forms but never asked for anything else. They were not officious at all and were quite helpful.
Worries me all the scaremongering, the more people that carry extra papers and produce them when they are not needed encourage amongst foreign officials a belief that we are supposed to carry those very papers.
 
Not strictly legally necessary, but RYA recommend you have some proof of competence (eg ICC).
We were boarded by Spanish Customs while at anchor off Ile de Cies (near Baiona) in 2007 and asked for passports, boat papers, insurance and proof of competence. Even though the guy's English was reasonable.... and he was friendly....I was glad I had an ICC!!
For minimal effort, and no cost if you are an RYA member, why wouldn't you get one??
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top