A Really International Certficate of Competency – Is It Possible? - More Information

Created by val. Last modified on 2010-03-01 09:17:03
Contributors:
Topic: DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED
Countries: Canada, USA

Email received by Noonsite on 16th November 2009

Subject: Proof of Yachting Competency Certificates valid in Europe for non EU nationals?

We are planning to cruise the European Canals in the coming years and would like to hear of any experiences other cruisers have had requiring proof of competency by each country. We'd particularly be interested in hearing from anyone required to take the French, German or Dutch competency exams (or others) in order to access the canals.

As Americans, we have been cruising the Med for six years and have found what is acceptable as proof of competence for cruisers varies by country. Most countries never ask for proof but a few (i.e., Montenegro, Croatia, Ukraine and a protected area in the Balerics) have actually insisted on written proof. Some have accepted navigation course certificates from the US Power Squadron or USCG or USCG Captain's Licenses. We understand that Europe's inland waterways are more rigid and a USCG Master's license might not be accepted.

Any current feedback would be appreciated.

Lorraine Bramble s/y Twist of Fate

For information on the subject, complied by Noonsite, see Proof of Competency for European Countries

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For Americans, the following reply sent to Lorraine, will be of interest.

This is official response from Robert David whose job it is to handle this for the US.

--- On Fri, 11/27/09, Robert David rpdavid@capecod.net wrote:

Dear Lorraine,

This is the first such request I have had in a long while since I am the one US citizen who has been working this problem for seven years now! Unfortunately, there is no way for a US citizen to get an official ICC today because according to UN Resolution No. 40 the certificate must be issued in a person's country of residency and by a country that has adopted the Resolution. Working with the Coast Guard we have been trying to get a Legislative Change Proposal thru Congress to give the USCG authority to deal with this issue,which they can't now, but our astute congressmen don't see this as an important issue worth their time!

In addition to my membership in USPS and the National Boating Federation, and formerly on the USCG Boating Safety Advisory Council, I represent these organizations to the European Boating Association (EBA). In October at the EBA meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, adopted a draft amendment to Resolution No. 40, which if adopted would allow a country that has adopted the resolution to issue certificates to non-citizens if they can prove compliance with the competency requirements, which I suspect you would meet. This was to be taken by EBA to the UN Inland Waterways Transport Working Group earlier this month. I have not heard the results yet. But, be aware this is just a first step!

As you may also know, USPS has established a new Boat Operator Certification program that will easily satisfy UN Resolution No. 40 in hope and anticipation that someday we will have authority provide ICCs.

I am sorry I can't provide better information for you. I have asked others in the past that one of the best ways to help get this issue off dead-center is start writing your members of Congress and if you do to copy me. I have a small file I trot out every chance I get with the folks in DC and I'm always anxious to add to it; copies to the State Department and Coast Guard are also good.

Lastly, I envy you and your cruising through the Med in ports where I have been. I wish you more smooth sailing and hope you will keep me informed.

Best regards,

Bob David Past President, NBF and Director, International Relations Past National Educational Officer, USPS

An additional note from Lorraine

I've asked Bob David if he'd draft a letter that cruisers could send to their congressman to authorize the USCG to issue the ICC - hopefully Noonsite will support the effort when he is ready!

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Recieved from Brian Domander on 20th December 2009

In response to your query about gaining an International Certificate of Competence in non-European countries I can tell you that in Canada the issuance of the ICC plus the schooling and examinations the ICC requires are the domain of the International Sail and Power Academy.

Interested Canadians are directed to their website:

www.ispa.com

Thanks! And thanks for a great Noonsite as well!