Are qualification needed?

[silver-fox]

Still no!

Read the RYA stuff which will tell you which countries have signed up to the UN Resolution and which countries ask for evidence, and in which situations. Some of the countries happen to be in the EU, but it is a coincidence!

Tranona

Thanks for your earlier post, I have followed your advice and read the RYA information - you are right I was being far too simplistic in asserting that these requirements didn't apply to a Britsh flagged vessel.

Sadly the whole implementation of an international standard is a mess and acceptance of the ICC is patchy to say the least. On balance I think the argument tips in favour of having one rather than not

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

A heated debate!

I have never been asked for an ICC and I do not have one. I am a Yachtmaster Instructor and Commercially Endorsed Ocean Master.

I recommend that you follow the RYA courses, that way you will develop your sailing skills. Once you have your Day Skipper then you automatically qualify for your ICC - just fill out the form and pay the fee...

I know of someone who tried to make a claim from their insurance company, regarding damage caused by a dragging anchor. The insurance company tried to get out of paying by suggesting skipper incompetence, and negligence. In such a case it is very useful to prove that you are a careful and qualified sailor - The Skipper in question was an RYA yachtmaster and had evidence of regular log entries, weather forecasts, passage plans etc.. They paid up, but were keen not to!

Good luck with whatever you decide, and happy sailing!

 

[whiteshythe]

ICC

I am currently cruising the Med. I have been asked to show an ICC on a number of occasions in recent years. Entering Croatia, Greece and Turkey immediately spring to mind. In the event of an incident, I would not like to be without it, even though I have an RYA Yachtmaster Certificate.

Steve White
Rassy Lady.

 

[Tranona]

A heated debate!

I have never been asked for an ICC and I do not have one. I am a Yachtmaster Instructor and Commercially Endorsed Ocean Master.

Well, you can get an ICC for free (assuming you have paid your RYA subscription).

The whole idea of the ICC is that it is intended to be internationally recognised, like a passport, following a common format and including a photograph.

You may well find that if you get into a country that does ask for a "licence" they will expect to see an ICC and may not recognise you current certificate, probably through ignorance or even bloody mindedness.

 

[jimbaerselman]

Hi Silverfox,

I'm glad you read the RYA site. It's pretty good, but oriented to the UK owner. Yes, it is very difficult for all the many countries involved to agree on process . . . but in their own national waters they can actually insist on almost anything. Just try going within 12nm of the Israel coast without prior notification!

My quote was very careful - note that I said that your national certificate will usually suffice (and that includes suitable RYA certs, as well as US, Canadian, Oz, NZ, South African certs!). The Cruising Association has members from all these countries, so we're lucky enough to learn what happens to them while they are cruising Europe, as well as UK nationals (and crown dependencies like Guernsey!).

Greece, Turkey and Croatia were all missing from your list of countries visited. Our reports confirm that Croatia insists on proof as a condition of entry. Greece does for chartering, and will often ask after an incident. Turkey often does after an incident. And each year we learn a bit more.

 

[fergie_mac66]

Jim, I really hesitate tob disagree with someone of your experience but on this occasion I do!

My understanding is that international agreements mean that each boat/ship is obliged to obey the laws and regulations of country to which she is registered/flagged. To have it other any way would mean that each vessel would have to comply with every regulation of every country it wanted to visit, which is a near impossible situation.

I cruise without an ICC or any certification of competence and have never been asked for it having visited the following countries
Sweden
Denmark
Germany
France
Ireland
Spain
Morocco
Italy
Tunisia

I am not saying that there won't come a time when some harbourmaster or official somewhere won't be familiar with international law and demand sight of certificate, but to the best of my knowledge there is not a legal requirement for the skipper of a British flagged vessel of 12m in length to have any certificate of competence.

That said I would be less than truthful if I said I hadn't considered the subject. I had been thinking of geting an ICC as a tick in a box in case I was ever asked. However Richard's earlier comment about learning a lot despite having 30 years experience is a "cap" potentially which fits me too. So having considered his comments I will probably switch my aim to Yachtmaster in the belief that it will do me good!

Agree but ICC with cev for inland europe