IYT ICC
Recognised in a number of countries, mainly European. Not a worldwide sailing licence.
The International Certificate of Competency should not be described as a universal world sailing licence.
IYT offers several ICC endorsements including sail and power combinations and coastal or inland variants. Eligibility rules apply.
Students should verify:
- Who it suits
- Sailors chartering where an ICC is genuinely required — ask the charter company first.
- What it is not
- It is not required in Australia, not accepted everywhere, and eligibility rules apply.
Primary source: IYT course catalogue. Course structures and prerequisites can change; confirm the current version with the training body and school.
The course in context
The International Certificate of Competency is evidence of competence for particular recreational boating situations abroad. It is not a universal sailing licence or a promise that every charter company will hand over a yacht. The important questions are where you will sail, what vessel you will use and whether you are eligible for the issuing route.
Before you start
Check nationality or residency eligibility, certificate categories and the destination’s requirements with IYT before booking an assessment. Only use a school approved for the relevant ICC service. Ask the charter operator for its document requirements separately; the operator may also want a sailing résumé or practical checkout.
Skills you will develop
Matching the category
Make sure the requested document covers the intended vessel and waters. A generic request for “an ICC” can miss a category that matters to the actual trip.
Demonstrating competence
Discuss whether your existing training is accepted as evidence or whether assessment is required. A paperwork application and a practical course are not the same service.
Planning the documentation
Allow time for eligibility checks, supporting documents and processing. Do not leave the question until the final charter handover.
Training and assessment
IYT provides an ICC route through authorised schools, subject to its eligibility and certification rules. Check the current application procedure and validity details at the official source. Inland-water requirements, including any relevant CEVNI knowledge, should be checked for your destination rather than assumed.
Questions to ask the school
- Am I eligible for this issuing route?
- Which categories will appear on the certificate?
- What additional documents does the destination or charter operator require?
Related learning
Other IYT courses
IYT Sailing Course Pathway
The IYT route in order, with a catamaran variant at every skipper level.
IYT International Crew
IYT’s entry-level yacht course, and its closest equivalent to RYA Competent Crew.
IYT International Flotilla Skipper
Command of your own yacht, but within a flotilla with a lead boat in reach.
IYT International Bareboat Skipper
The charter qualification — and emphatically not a beginner course.
IYT Catamaran Sailing Qualifications
The clearest multihull pathway of any scheme: a catamaran version at every skipper level.
IYT Yachtmaster Coastal
IYT’s first Yachtmaster level, in sail, power and catamaran versions.
IYT Yachtmaster Offshore
The offshore level, for passages well beyond sight of land.
IYT Yachtmaster Ocean
The top of the IYT recreational pathway, celestial navigation included.
Australian schools using IYT
These schools advertise training under the IYT system. This does not confirm that every school currently runs IYT ICC; check the current course list directly.
Which course should you actually book?
Three questions — your experience, the boat you want to sail, and your goal — give you a starting course and the schools that teach it near you.