Bareboat charters and flotilla holidays abroad remain a popular choice for Irish holidaymakers, but many destinations require skippers to hold a recognised qualification before taking charge of a vessel.
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is the most commonly requested certification. It confirms that the holder has the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate a pleasure craft and is widely accepted across Europe and beyond.
For experienced boaters, the ICC can be obtained through a direct assessment at a local Irish Sailing Training Centre. Alternatively, those who already hold a recognised qualification- such as a Day Skipper certificate dated within the last five years- can apply directly through Irish Sailing.
If a sailing holiday is on your plans for the summer or autumn, now is the time to ensure your certification is in place and avoid any last-minute delays.