In this text I will attempt to clarify the current situation for The Netherlands, which is similar to most countries in Europe.
This is however an advice to the best of my knowledge. I cannot be held responsible or accountable for any of the information below.

Which skipper certificate is valid in which country, and what is the ICC?

  • Many countries will demand a certificate for boats that go over certain limits. Those limits can be length, horsepower or maximum speed. There can also be different certificates for sailboats and the location of the boat, typically coastal or inland or a certain distance from land or a safe haven.
    In The Netherlands a Klein Vaarbewijs is needed if your boat is over 15 meters in length, or if it can go faster than 20 km/hr, and for commercial work up to 20meters /12 passengers.

  • Valid certificates are the certificates from the country itself, other certificates might also be valid. A few examples:
    • Croatia accepts RYA Powerboat Level 2 and many more
    • In the Netherlands certain Belgian, German and British RYA Yachtmaster certificates are also accepted.
    • Even if not mentioned officially RYA certificates are widely accepted in the Mediterranean area. 
      It can be very difficult to find reliable information per country. If you are an RYA Member check the country specific information on www.rya.org.uk

  • The good news: many countries have signed the UNECE ICC resolution 14 or 40. In this resolution these countries state that they will accept each others certificates if minimum criteria are met. If so, your certificate will mention : ICC or International Certificate of Competence somewhere. 
    This is only correct for certificates that are issued by the governments of these countries.
    Unfortunately some sailing schools offer certificates that mention ICC or International Certificate of Competence but those are NOT valid. They might be accepted by some countries, but not in The Netherlands.

  • The very basis of an ICC is that if you live in a country, you have to get your ICC from that specific country. If that country does not issue ICC's, you can apply for an ICC with the British RYA. 

  • Which countries issue ICC's?
    Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland and Ukraine.
    Poland is an exception: it signed the ICC, but it does not issue ICC's itself. Which means that if you are Polish, you cannot get an ICC. 
    So if you are from one of these countries, officially ONLY your home country can issue an ICC to you.
    Note that this is about residency, not so much your passport. To apply for an ICC with the RYA you have to proof that you reside outside the countries mentioned above, such as with a valid passport. 
    If you have a British passport, the RYA can also issue an ICC to you, regardless of your residency.
    If you can read Dutch, the Dutch authorities will happily issue an ICC after a Klein Vaarbewijs examination, regardless of who you are of where you are from. 

  • How to apply for an ICC with the British RYA?
    • Complete a practical boating course:
      • Powerboat Level 2 for an ICC up to 10 meters in length, unless taken on a larger powerboat. (2 days)
      • Inland Waterways for an ICC over 10 meters in length. (usually unlimited, in The Netherlands up to 24 meters) (2 days)
      • Dayskipper Sail for an ICC for sailboats over 10 meters and powered boats up to 10 meters (5 days practical + theory)
      • For Personal Watercraft : the PWC proficiency course (one day)
    • To add Inland Waterways, you have to pass the CEVNI online test. This test covers the very basics of Inland Waterways regulations. 

Your options if you have a boating certificate:

  • Check if the country accepts it (good luck with that...)
    • RYA member: check the RYA members only part (note: most countries will unofficially accept more certificates than mentioned on the RYA site)
    • Check the local law, or contact embassy or tourist information
    • usually best: contact the local harbour officials
    • ask your insurance company to certify that you are insured with that certificate
  • Check if it is valid as an ICC : it should state that on the certificate. (link to UNECE)
    • next: check if the country of your sailing trip accepts the ICC. If it's on the list above, it will. If it's not the country will probably accept it, but no guarantees there. 
  • Check if your country can exchange it for an ICC. This is unlikely if the certificate is from another country.

Your options if you do not have a boating certificate yet:

  • If you are from a country that signed the ICC treaty : do a boating course in your own country and get the ICC. or:
  • do a boating course in the country in which you want to operate a boat. or:
  • If you are NOT from a country that signed the ICC treaty:
    • Take an RYA course and apply for an ICC, that will be valid OUTSIDE your home country, or:
    • Do a course for the Dutch Klein Vaarbewijs, it will also be valid as an ICC (but usually NOT in your home country). This is only an option if you are fluent in Dutch reading and writing, it's very theoretical in nature or:
    • www.vaarplezier.nl offers English Klein Vaarbewijs courses + exams.