Canalboat Holidays Ltd is an RYA appointed test centre for the International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.).
Unlike in the U.K. it is necessary to have a Licence to helm a boat on the Continent. Whilst it is possible to take a “boat driving test” in the country you wish to visit this is a daunting task and additionally, the test is set in the native language!
The ICC is required by some European countries for certain categories of pleasure craft for both coastal and inland waterways use.
In some countries compulsory certificates are required of nationals simply because officials expect to see such a certificate. The ICC is issued by the RYA and is valid for 5 years.
The I.C.C. certificate is accepted as an international permit to helm within Europe. For coastal waters you need to obtain an I.C.C. (Section A) with a coastal assessment on regulations, pilotage and chartwork (Section C) but for Inland waterways you need an Inland I.C.C. (Section A) and to have passed the C.E.V.N.I. test (Section B) which goes with it.
The test is available for inland waters. We are able to offer both tests, the ICC practical &. CEVNI test at our base at Weedon.
ICC application forms are available either directly from the RYA or we can send you a copy. Whilst some training will be given during the test, you should be competent in boat handling and knowledge of regulations.
CEVNI Test (Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieure).
This code is a United Nations instrument which unifies signs and signals and standardises navigational procedures on the European Inland Waterways system.
In order to undertake the test you will require full knowledge of the CEVNI* regulations booklet entitled 'European Waterways Regulations'; these are available through the School at £7.75 inc p+p per copy to students. We also stock CEVNI Flip-cards which are designed to help learn the signs, symbols and lights displayed, these form a major part of the CEVNI regulations. The cards can prove extremely useful when learning when learning and as an aide memoire whilst actually navigating European waters. Flip cards are available through the School at £6.15 inc p+p per set.
If you are confident that your knowledge and skills are to the required standard, the test should present few problems. Comprising fourteen multi-choice questions, the test should be completed in a relatively short time, approx 1 hour.
Upon receipt of your cheque and booking form we will send, by return, your copy of the regulations if required. You will need to study these in depth as preparation for the test.
At Canalboat Holidays CEVNI Tests can either be taken on a 'test only' basis which should take a matter of hours (provided you have the necessary knowledge or have studied the book) or you can tack the test onto the your International Certificate of Competence one or two day practical course.
Please note the ICC is only available to British Citizens or bone fide British Residents, please bring your passport along on the day of the test.
Course profile:
This course is held on a demand basis on weekdays throughout the year.
Duration: ICC Assessment approx 3 hours ~ CEVNI Test approx 1 hour
Aim of the course: To achieve the RYA standard for the issue of the I.C.C. including a pass on the C.E.V.N.I. test where there are 14 questions of which 11 or more have to be correct.
Oral Test |
Regulations - Knowledge of responsibility for a proper lookout. - Determine a safe speed. - Recognise a potential collision situation. - Identification of “give way” and “stand on” vessels. - Correct give way actions. - “Rules of the Road” and responsibilities for boats in narrow channels. - Knowledge of sound signals. - Knowledge of distress signals. |
Safety -Use of safety equipment including buoyancy aids, fire extinguishers and life belt. - Preparation of boat for use and precautions to be taken before leaving. Including pre-start checks, weedhatch check, fuel, trim and stability of vessel. |
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Practical Test |
Starting - Safety briefing - Pre-start checks - Weed hatch checks - Start engine |
| Depart
from mooring - Pushing off. - Use of springs where necessary. - Communication with crew. - Stowage of lines. |
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| Steering
in the channel - Correct course to take. - Keeping in the channel. - Correct side for passing. (port to port) - Correct engine speed for depth and conditions. - Stopping in the channel. - Navigating bridges and narrows. |
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| Turning - Use of winding holes. - Knowledge of correct direction to turn. - Knowledge of prop. effect. |
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| Mooring - Coming aIongside. - Communication with the crew. - Use of centre line. - Disposition of mooring lines. - Use of stakes or hooks for securing boat. - Knowledge of knots. |
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| Man
overboard - Observe correct MOB drill. - Demonstrate correct approach technique - Achieving the recovery. |
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Emergencies
- Knowledge of correct actions to take in the event of: - Loss of steering. - Fouled propellor. - Loss of power. - Running aground. - Collision with another vessel. |
Mail Order Course Publications available:
|
 RYA Inland Waterways Handbook |
 RYA European Waterways regulations (CEVNI Rules ) |
 Foreign Cruising Vol 1 (Atlantic Coast of Europe & Baltic Sea) |
 CEVNI Signs, Symbols & Lights FLIP Cards |
 Foreign Cruising Vol 2 (Mediterranean & the Black Sea) |
 International Regulations for the preventing collisions at sea |
 Map of the Inland Waterways of France |
