Sailing-yacht skipper completing practical boat-handling exercises

Evidence of competence abroad

ICC Assessment in Phuket

An assessment route for experienced recreational sailors who need evidence of competence for a UK ICC application.

Check assessment availability

Arrangement

On request

Assessment focus

Sail · coastal waters

Minimum age

16 years old

Base

Yacht Haven, Phuket

Assessment overview

What the ICC is—and what it is not

The ICC’s current full title is the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft. It is issued by the RYA on behalf of the UK Government and provides evidence of competence when requested by officials abroad.

It is not a universal boating licence. Whether you need it—and whether it will be accepted—depends on the registration of the vessel, the country in which it is being used, the type and size of craft and the waters in which you intend to operate.

The certificate is valid for five years and records only the vessel and water categories for which you have demonstrated competence. This page focuses on the sail category and coastal waters. Ask us before planning a power, personal-watercraft or inland-water application.

Your route to an ICC

Choose the route that matches your experience

01

You hold an eligible RYA certificate

An eligible practical certificate may validate the relevant category without another practical assessment. Check the current ICC-3 competence notes and apply directly to the RYA.

Start your RYA application
02

You are experienced but have no qualifying evidence

If you already handle a sailing yacht confidently and have suitable navigation and collision-regulation knowledge, ask us to review your readiness for an ICC Sail assessment.

Request a readiness review
03

You need more preparation

Build the required theory and command skills through Day Skipper Theory and Day Skipper Practical. Successful Day Skipper completion may then support an ICC application without a separate assessment.

Explore Day Skipper Practical

Need the theory first? Complete RYA Day Skipper Theory online or ask about classroom availability before arranging your practical training.

Eligible RYA certificates for Sail and Coastal Waters

If you hold one of these certificates, you may already have the required evidence and may not need a separate ICC Sail assessment:

  • RYA Day Skipper Sail (Practical) Course Completion Certificate
  • RYA Coastal Skipper Sail (Practical) Course Completion Certificate
  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean (Sail) Certificate of Competence
  • RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper (Sail) Certificate of Competence issued before 1 January 2010

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased or a higher shorebased certificate can validate the Coastal Waters category, but it does not validate the Sail vessel category by itself. Your application needs evidence for both the relevant vessel category and Coastal or Inland Waters.

Check the current RYA competence table

Assessment content

Demonstrate safe, practical competence

This is an assessment rather than an instructional course. The exact syllabus follows the current RYA ICC assessment form and is confirmed before your date.

  • Preparation, safety checks and crew briefing
  • Leaving and returning to a pontoon under control
  • Slow-speed manoeuvring and a 360° turn in confined water
  • Securing to a buoy and recovering a person overboard
  • Practical use of navigation, pilotage and collision regulations
  • Oral or written questions covering safety, regulations and passage decisions

Assessment fee

One-day ICC Sail assessment

Assessment arranged in Phuket

£700(€750)

The RYA application or issue fee, additional training and any other assessment categories are not included.

Prepare your application

Use the current RYA forms; downloaded forms and requirements can change. Bring or upload the documents relevant to your assessment and application.

  • A current ICC application and the relevant assessment syllabus/certificate
  • Passport or national identity evidence confirming nationality
  • Evidence of habitual residential address where required
  • A compliant passport-style photograph
  • Copies of existing practical certificates and your sailing logbook
  • Suitable clothing and footwear for the practical assessment
View the current RYA application

Common questions

ICC Assessment FAQs

Is the ICC accepted everywhere?

No. The ICC is useful evidence of competence, particularly for recreational boating in Europe, but it is not universally required or accepted. Check the legislation of the vessel’s flag state and the country where you intend to operate before arranging an assessment.

Can the RYA issue an ICC to every nationality?

No. Unless they are resident in the UK, the RYA currently cannot issue a UK ICC to nationals of countries that have accepted Resolution No. 40: Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Ukraine. This list can change, so confirm your eligibility with the RYA before paying for an assessment.

Which RYA certificates can evidence Sail competence?

For the Sail and Coastal Waters categories covered by this page, the relevant evidence includes RYA Day Skipper Sail Practical, RYA Coastal Skipper Sail Practical, an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore or Ocean Sail Certificate of Competence, or an RYA/MCA Coastal Skipper Sail Certificate of Competence issued before 1 January 2010. Day Skipper Shorebased or higher validates Coastal Waters only and is not sufficient by itself because the application also needs evidence for a vessel category.

Do I need an assessment if I already hold an RYA certificate?

Possibly not. An eligible RYA practical certificate may provide evidence for the relevant ICC category. The exact validation depends on the certificate and categories requested, so check the current ICC-3 competence notes before applying.

Is an ICC Assessment a training course?

No. It is an assessment of existing competence. Short familiarisation may be discussed separately, but candidates who are not yet at the required standard should complete suitable theory and practical training before attempting the assessment.

Does the sail assessment include inland waters?

No. Inland-water validation is separate and normally requires the CEVNI test in addition to suitable evidence for a vessel category. Tell us where and what you plan to operate so we can point you towards the correct route.

Who issues the final ICC?

The RYA issues the UK ICC after reviewing your application, eligibility documents and evidence of competence. The school can conduct an agreed assessment and complete the relevant assessment certificate, but it does not issue the ICC itself.

Official ICC eligibility, fees and application requirements are set by the RYA and may change.

Arranged on request

Plan your ICC assessment

Tell us your nationality and country of residence, the vessel and waters you intend to use, your existing certificates and your practical experience. We will review the requested category and confirm whether an assessment can be arranged.

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