Yes, but. . . .
There isn't a kick-in point as such. CEVNI is required in France for waterways controlled by VNF, so you can go up the Rance (to Dinan with mast up) and the Vilaine as they aren't VNF waterway's and the Seine to Rouen (well worth the trip) as it is a navigable shipping river. Past Rouen it is VNF controlled, they have a big office there where you buy your Licence (Vignette).
Our boat has been based in Europe with only rare visits to UK since 1997. Requests to show paperwork have been rare but have been made in Belgium, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy and Greece. The most thorough was in Belgium, where even my VHF licence was inspected.
In 30 + years sailing in UK and other European countries I have been asked specifically for my "license" twice in Portugal and nowhere else although I have been stopped in other countries for spot checks on boat papers. On those two occasions they stopped me for spot checks on the boat. I did nothing wrong I think they were just bored and they used me as an opportunity for an "exercise" for the lower ranked crew on the ship. I say this because they were in constant contact with mother ship throughout the inspections and were obviously being coached in what to do and ask for. They were not interested in Yachtmaster cert, ICC was what they wanted along with other ships docs. They also inspected all safety gear to ensure it was in date. They left disappointed not to find anything I think.
No idea what they would have done if I could not produce ICC. Possibly nothing because lots of expats sailing down here without ICC's or licenses but maybe they've just not been inspected yet.
Was that Calais by any chance? We were boarded from a rib while on a buoy waiting for the bridge. The mother ship was a launch tied to the quay. They brought a film crew with them: total pantomime that I wrote up for YM.
That is very misleading. While normally states respect other flag state rules for visitors under the principle of comity, they always have the right to apply their own rule while you are within their territorial waters (Graham 376 gives a good example). It is also common for states to require skippers qualifications to use a boat under their flag, for example if chartering. The ICC is generally accepted for this. The real problems arise if you fall foul of local maritime law, for example if you are involved in an incident that causes damage or requires a call to the coastguard. In situations like this you will be glad of your ICC as it avoid questions about your competence. You may well however find your boat put under the authority's control and be subject to a survey before release.
I should, of course have prefaced my remarks by saying that they applied to skippers in command of their own boats. Charter companies usually require some form of qualification, either ICC or Day Skipper, with the proviso that no night sailing is undertaken.
I was asked for it-- in Boulogne. I have been many times & that is the only time. But i seem to attract customs visits,(14 on one cruise with my wife, to Biscay, alone). The officer was probably just being a bit awkward. However, if I had not had it, I am not sure of the outcome.
I often get asked for my passport in France ( & Belgium) & they have sometimes phoned to some point, with the details before handing it back to me. A couple of times on my last visits, it has been photographed when in Boulogne.
Spain accepts the ICC for UK nationals as part of Spanish law, it doesn't have to be a signatory to accept it. France and Portugal might be the same.
signing up and accepting are 2 different things. The first is to issue the certificate to the state's citizens or residenrs, the second is to accept it to meet requirements for operating a boat.
Only for rya members
Does it for your driving licence?
I know a couple of driving licence holders who are far from competent & judging by the antics of some on the road, they are not the only ones
Thanks for clarifying that. So a free ICC and entrance to the Southampton Boat Show what's not to like.
