If I lived in France, say, and wanted a skipper's 'licence' how would I do it?

[Tranona]

You are, of course, correct; there is no comparison with the UK ICC (I have one myself) and the Swiss Hochseeschein syllabus.

That is also true of those who get an ICC on the basis of a qualifying RYA Certificate and no doubt many other qualifications from other countries.

The whole point of the ICC is to confirm competence to the level agreed by the UN working party. You can demonstrate competence through an assessment (as I did) without the need to take a formal course of study.

 

[DownWest]

One of the oddities in France, is that they do NOT require any licence if you rent a cruiser on the rivers. No point in restricting customers, is there?

 

[Frankklose]

I am German and used to live in England for 7 years. Started sailing in England. Went through the British training Coastal Skipper, Ocean Yachtmaster and when I moved back to Germany had to take all tests again since Germany did not except the British qualifications. I had to go for the examine for Sportbootführerschein See and Sportbootführerschein Binnen (ICC) to comply with the German regulation. I run the course for Sportseeschifferschein (Coastal Skipper) and took also the test with my students. It was fairly easy for me since the British education (RYA) is far superior to the German system.
Since regulation for internal waterways are different I believe the ICC should be mandatory. Germany changed the rules, up to 15 HP no licence is required except on the river Rhine.. The rule change was made politicians and I disagree with them. I have not meet in 7 years I lived in Englanda any British sailor which had not at least some cources (e.g. Yachtmaster Offshore). For the river Rhine the ICC is mandatory. The amount of traffic (large barges) plus stream makes sailing their very difficult.