ICC By Assessment?

[Laser310]

I am planning to get the ICC by assesment, and figured there were a few here who had done it that way as well.

My purpose is mostly cruising my own boat in the Med and other places where I understand it can be required. I am not planning on a charter.

If I understand correctly, most cruisers will want categories 4b - sailing, and 4c - coastal. Is that correct?

Are assessments for both categories typically done on the same day as part of the same assessment?

If I want to prepare and make sure there are no gaping holes in my knowledge, or if i want to review things I may have forgotten, are the RYA eBooks a good way to see what I ill be tested on?

Lastly, do you recommend a particular assessment center?

 

[westernman]

My purpose is mostly cruising my own boat in the Med and other places where I understand it can be required. I am not planning on a charter.

I have an ICC through a Coastal Kipper course completion certificate. The course I personally found useful.

I cruise South of France (western bit) and Costa Brava.
I have never, ever been asked for it.

Registration (always, every port). Insurance (home port) and I think once somewhere else.

Passport once - I think they were Spanish customs looking for something suspicious. But a UK passport holder speaking French to a load of Vietnamese boat people (the other half of my family) was not suspicious.

May be they remembered me. I very nearly skewered them once under sail when they did not give way.

 

[capnsensible]

You can download the ICC test form as a pdf. This will show you what you will be asked to demonstrate to the examiner. It's very straightforward. I used to do that job.

However I would recommend a chat with RYA training by phone, preferably, or email to get the latest advice. On here, sometimes perceptions don't quite match reality.

 

[Laser310]

I have heard it is rarely if ever asked for..., but I know that if I assume I will never be asked for it.., I will be...

I am not planning on taking an actual course - just the assessment.

 

[Laser310]

You can download the ICC test form as a pdf. This will show you what you will be asked to demonstrate to the examiner. It's very straightforward. I used to do that job.

However I would recommend a chat with RYA training by phone, preferably, or email to get the latest advice. On here, sometimes perceptions don't quite match reality.

I have the test form - I was hoping I could find something that fleshes it out a bit with more specifics

I fully understand that, while I have a fair bit of experience, there may well be areas which I should study up on.

 

[capnsensible]

I have the test form - I was hoping I could find something that fleshes it out a bit with more specifics

I fully understand that, while I have a fair bit of experience, there may well be areas which I should study up on.

Understand. As an experienced sailor, I'm sure you will be fine.

My view of having an ICC is that it's a precautionary measure when cruising abroad. Never needed unless you are involved in some kind of incident. Bit like a car driving licence.

 

[dunedin]

I have the test form - I was hoping I could find something that fleshes it out a bit with more specifics

I fully understand that, while I have a fair bit of experience, there may well be areas which I should study up on.

I did an own boat assessment for ICC. Worthwhile even if not essential.

Assume familiar with basic boat handling, picking up mooring etc - though worth reminding yourself what might do if fender suddenly sent on MOB practice so ready for that eventuality.
For me the main thing was reminding of things like buoyage top marks, ships lights and shapes etc - as I don’t tend to remember these things (on an App for when needed).

Cant recommend a place to get assessment without location - I used the Scottish Sailing Centre on Cumbrae (now sadly closed).

 

[ronsurf]

I did the ICC assessment in order to charter a yacht in the Med. It's absolutely necessary as the RYA qualifications aren't recognised.

An assessment is an accurate description. It's not a test. If there are any gaps in your knowledge they are likely to be filled by the assessor. There is a test sheet available shows what you need to be able to do.

The assessor I had showed me alternative ways to recover a MOB, and gave my crew a few good tips as well, including getting her to do a MOB recovery as well.

The first thing he did was get on the boat and say, "Right, I want you to go over there and reverse alongside that finger pontoon". Totally unexpected, but not impossible.

A lot of people are pretty snobby about the ICC but I've found it a very useful document for chartering and as an international qualification for sailing.

There are, kind of, three parts to it. Sailing (which includes power boats up to a certain length), Power boats (up to a longer length), and inland waterways which you need for canals and rivers.

 

[ronsurf]

PS thanks for the reminder, I've just renewed mine. which was due to expire in August

(How hard is it to join the RYA online?! I phoned up in the end. I've never experienced an organisation that requires you to register BEFORE you join!)

 

[fredrussell]

I did the ICC assessment in order to charter a yacht in the Med. It's absolutely necessary as the RYA qualifications aren't recognised…

Whilst RYA qualifications may not be recognised abroad, my understanding is that by passing the Day Skipper or ‘above’ practical courses you are entitled to apply for an ICC without doing the assessment.

 

[Birdseye]

Understand. As an experienced sailor, I'm sure you will be fine.

My view of having an ICC is that it's a precautionary measure when cruising abroad. Never needed unless you are involved in some kind of incident. Bit like a car driving licence.

I agree with Capt Sensible. I used to do the test for people and it really was very very basic. Not even DS level. Mind you that was a few years ago so best check - it might be like the SRC , simple to start with, but which has been wildly overcomplicated thanks to the Germans being difficult.

 

[martyn78]

I have been asked for an ICC when to anchor in Malta (2020) and demanded one by the Port Police in Crete (2015 - 2020), so it is a good idea to have one - I sit my assessment next month....

 

[Hoolie]

My ICC is from my DS qualification - but in the 14 years or so we've been in the Med I have never needed to show it.

A friend did an own boat assessment and just as they were coming back in, the boat wouldn't respond astern to slow down. Engine revved but no response. The prop had fallen off! Rapid deployment of fenders, boathooks, lines etc and disaster was averted. Needless to say he got his ICC

 

[Shuggy]

The first thing he did was get on the boat and say, "Right, I want you to go over there and reverse alongside that finger pontoon". Totally unexpected, but not impossible.

On my boat - impossible!

 

[oldbloke]

In my experience an ICC is essential to charter in Croatia and Greece. I can't remember the routine in Croatia, but in Greece the port police won't let you take the boat until your documents have been presented. I haven't been asked for it by the authorities after that.
I had my assessment in Greece, by Sunsail.
I think the philosophy is different to the RYA scheme as they are not trying to educate you, just see if you have reached a certain, pretty basic, level.

 

[Skylark]

If I want to prepare and make sure there are no gaping holes in my knowledge, or if i want to review things I may have forgotten, are the RYA eBooks a good way to see what I ill be tested on?

The RYA ICC Handbook is a good resource.

The syllabus changed a couple of years ago and I haven’t done a prep course nor examined since. Best advice is to speak directly to your nearest RTC (school). They will give you up to date information without irrelevant, anecdotal sidebars ?

 

[Siobhan12]

In my experience an ICC is essential to charter in Croatia and Greece. I can't remember the routine in Croatia, but in Greece the port police won't let you take the boat until your documents have been presented. I haven't been asked for it by the authorities after that.
I had my assessment in Greece, by Sunsail.
I think the philosophy is different to the RYA scheme as they are not trying to educate you, just see if you have reached a certain, pretty basic, level.

Would anyone know of somewhere to do the ICC Assessment in Southern Spain?
Thank you

 

[capnsensible]

Would anyone know of somewhere to do the ICC Assessment in Southern Spain?
Thank you

Try Marbella Sailing School now based in Estepona.

 

[zoidberg]

Gosh, how things have grown more complicated....and cost/price inflation has made its mark.

I can recall when the ICC was called, for good reason, the 'Gin and Tonic Certificate'..... and I awarded one to another MOCRA Committee Member while he reciprocated.... for the appropriate fees, of course!

 

[ronsurf]

Gosh, how things have grown more complicated....and cost/price inflation has made its mark.

I can recall when the ICC was called, for good reason, the 'Gin and Tonic Certificate'..... and I awarded one to another MOCRA Committee Member while he reciprocated.... for the appropriate fees, of course!

My grandad once told me that driving licences were a bit like that once upon a time.