Certificate of competence (license) to use a boat in Portugal.

[greeny]

It's not strictly a "liveaboard" subject but I know there's a lot of local knowledge here about portugal, specifically the Algarve.

My son's coming out in July and has always sailed with me before but now is thinking of taking off in the boat on his own for a few days.
He is fairly experienced and could easily pass the ICC in UK but he doesn't live there. He's based in Germany. He doesn't have the time to take any tests there before he comes so we're looking for info on how to get over this hurdle fairly quickly when he arrives here in July.
I don't know if there's any way he can do the RYA ICC here or will he have to go through the Portuguese licensing system?
If anyone has any contacts that may be able to help or advise us I'd appreciate it.

 

[maxi77]

There are several RYA schools either google or a call to the RYA should solve your propblem

 

[PlanB]

Check that your insurance covers him when you are not aboard.

 

[Graham376]

I don't know anyone who has been asked for ICC but, sods law, he could be the first. Even if he took the test here, presumably he will have to wait for the certificate to arrive from the RYA. What he will need is a letter from you authorising use of the boat.

https://www.ryacoursesportugal.com/index.html

http://www.algarveboatcourses.com/

 

[nortada]

In a previous existence, as a sailing instructor, I used to award ICCs (alongside Day Skip), which are issued immediately on completion of the test by a certified RYA Training Establishment, so no delay between qualification and getting the certificate.

Ref insurance, your certificate may already permit your vessel to be sailed by any qualified skipper authorised by you, the ICC would meet this requirement. If not covered on your certificate, a quick telephone call to your insurers should suffice.

If ‘he could easily pass the ICC’, why not complete it before travelling to Portugal in JulyIt is a straight assessment so should take no more than a couple of hours.

No doubt there are a number of RYA Sail Training Establishments in Germany. Additionally, must be a similar qualification available in Germany

To make it even easier, why not go for a for Power Boat (PB) 2, which would still meet the need for qualification and as it cuts out all of the sailing side is much more straight forward than a sailing ICC.

If he wants to wait until he arrives in The Algarve, there a number of local RYA sail training establishments available. For example South West Charters at Lagos. Where necessary, the charterer will probably ‘issue’ an ICC to their clients before handing the boat over.

http://www.rusailing.com/ & http://southwestcharters.com/ enjoy good reputations.

There are other more ‘imaginative’ ways of obtaining suitable certification, which should satisfy the Portuguese authorities. Self-certification, springs to mind

All that said, sailing The Algarve since 1991, I have never been asked for a qualification. :encouragement:

Hope this all helps and interested to read how you get on - we may need to go down the same route for our 3 blonde granddaughters.

 

[KellysEye]

We spent a year on and off in the Algarve and were ever asked for any sailing qualifications.

 

[greeny]

Thanks to all for the suggestions.
I've also been here a long time and never been asked for qualifications but sods law says he will and if something were to happen out there he definitely will be asked.
We looked at doing something in Germany but the lead time of getting something booked alongside his work schedule has proved a stumbling block.
He will be using 2 boats while here, UK registered yacht and a Portuguese registered rib and I think the chance of him being stopped is probably more likely in the rib when fishing. The portuguese guys round here are always complaining that they check them every time they go out.
Insurance cover is a good point and I'll need to check that obviously.
I'll give SW charters a call and see what they can suggest for me.
Thanks again to all.

 

[Mikedefieslife]

I'll give SW charters a call and see what they can suggest for me.
Thanks again to all.

Presumably you will have to charter a boat. Can't imagine they just hand out certificates for nothing.

 

[25931]

Portuguese registered rib and I think the chance of him being stopped is probably more likely in the rib when fishing. The portuguese guys round here are always complaining that they check them every time they go out.
[/QUOTE]

Make sure that he has a fishing licence and knows that everone must wear an lj if anyone is fishing.

 

[greeny]

Portuguese registered rib and I think the chance of him being stopped is probably more likely in the rib when fishing. The portuguese guys round here are always complaining that they check them every time they go out.

Make sure that he has a fishing licence and knows that everone must wear an lj if anyone is fishing.[/QUOTE]

Yes good advice thanks for that, already aware of it as I fish myself out here. You're right, they're red hot down here on the l/j thing and the license especially if in a portuguese registered boat. They often seem to leave the uk ones alone but not always.

 

[greeny]

Presumably you will have to charter a boat. Can't imagine they just hand out certificates for nothing.

Why would I charter a boat when I already have two.
I was ringing them for advice about him taking a test and getting a license. If they don't do testing them I am sure they will know someone who does, as it is part of their advertised service. I'm not asking anyone to just give "hand out" a certificate, that would be cheating the system would it not?

 

[nortada]

Presumably you will have to charter a boat. Can't imagine they just hand out certificates for nothing.

In addition to chartering SW have both power and sailing instructors, who run courses and provide own- boat tuition.

 

[Sea Devil]

I have spent 15+ years sailing in the Med and never been asked for my ICC.
I have transited the French Canals numerous times and never been asked for an ICC.

The main function of the document is to show a yacht charter company you have a basic knowledge but they will check you out themselves before letting you go off in their boat

 

[Heckler]

It's not strictly a "liveaboard" subject but I know there's a lot of local knowledge here about portugal, specifically the Algarve.

My son's coming out in July and has always sailed with me before but now is thinking of taking off in the boat on his own for a few days.
He is fairly experienced and could easily pass the ICC in UK but he doesn't live there. He's based in Germany. He doesn't have the time to take any tests there before he comes so we're looking for info on how to get over this hurdle fairly quickly when he arrives here in July.
I don't know if there's any way he can do the RYA ICC here or will he have to go through the Portuguese licensing system?
If anyone has any contacts that may be able to help or advise us I'd appreciate it.

Lot of fred drift but where exactly are you? Us in Albufeira. Beer?

 

[greeny]

Lot of fred drift but where exactly are you? Us in Albufeira. Beer?[/QUOTE

Ferragudo based so not far away. Boat in marina at prai da Rocha (Portimao). Don't often go into Albufeira because its basically too close to home. An easy daysail takes me to Culatra, another to the Guidiana, then Rompidou and onwards to Spain, Cadiz, Gib etc until it gets too hot then turn around and come back. If I do come in there, I'll send a pm and would love sharing a beer or two. Thanks.

 

[Heckler]

Lot of fred drift but where exactly are you? Us in Albufeira. Beer?[/QUOTE

Ferragudo based so not far away. Boat in marina at prai da Rocha (Portimao). Don't often go into Albufeira because its basically too close to home. An easy daysail takes me to Culatra, another to the Guidiana, then Rompidou and onwards to Spain, Cadiz, Gib etc until it gets too hot then turn around and come back. If I do come in there, I'll send a pm and would love sharing a beer or two. Thanks.

Excellent, missus likes ferragudo, so will be there as well as faro, culatra, ayamonte guadiana next month