International Sailing Qualifications required for chartering in Europe are the ICC (formerly International Certificate of Competence, now International Certificate for Operators of a Pleasure Craft) and CEVNI (required for inland waterways such as the French Canals). Southern Cross Yachting is one of the first training centres in Australia to be accredited to test for the ICC & CEVNI.

Most European countries require skippers of charter and private boats to hold an ICC to operate these vessels in their open and inland waterways. This Certificate is issued by the RYA and it is important to check with your charter company or the maritime authorities of the countries you are intending to visit to find out if the ICC is required.  An ICC can only be issued to persons holding passports or residents of: Australia, the United Kingdom and its territories; USA, Canada and New Zealand.  If you hold a European passport, please refer to the country of which the passport originates and follow the guidelines accordingly.

The ICC can be issued directly to persons holding the RYA Day Skipper practical certificate or higher by applying directly to the RYA. For people not holding these qualifications, but who have suitable prior experience, a direct assessment is available, examining both practical and theoretical knowledge and takes approximately 4 hours.  It can be undertaken on your own suitable vessel (sail only) or onboard one of our fleet.

We can also arrange for a two-day course during which the test will be completed.

The ICC can be issued for power and/or sailing vessels up to either 10 or 24 meters, consecutively, in length however it is important to note that SCY is recognised for sail only.

For those wishing to skipper a vessel in the French inland water ways there is an additional short theory exam called the CEVNI rules.  This covers rules specific to the French canals and includes signs, buoyage, light and sound signals and general steering rules. This test is taken on-line.

At Southern Cross Yachting we teach sailing in the simplest and most enjoyable way possible so you will not only learn more, you will have a great time doing it!