That is a question that charter companies will ask when deciding whether or not to put you in charge of your own vessel.
In the Caribbean, charter companies will often use your ASA logbook, certifications, and sailing resume as evidence of your sailing experience.
In the Mediterranean region, the situation is a bit different and you will most likely need an International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) to charter your own boat.
ASA is proud to offer the first International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) for sailors available in the United States. This certificate serves as proof of bareboat charter competency for Mediterranean chartering companies, many of whom require the proficiency information displayed in a different format than the ASA Logbook.
IPC Q&A
The IPC serves as proof of bareboat charter competency for Mediterranean chartering companies, many of whom require the proficiency information displayed in a different format than the ASA Log Book. This certificate is mandatory when chartering in most European / Mediterranean waters.
An International Proficiency Certificate indicates that you have a certain level of proficiency and competency to safely operate a type/size of vessel. An IPC provides a certification which many Mediterranean charter companies view as equivalent to the ICC. Please note that any certification should also be paired with the appropriate sailing resume and you should check with your intended charter company to verify what they require.
This certificate is mandatory when chartering in most European / Mediterranean waters. ASA strongly recommends you apply for an International Proficiency Certificate if you are chartering in the Mediterranean as well as the inland waterways of Europe and northern Europe.
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) came about via UN Resolution 40 (UNR40), which was signed at various levels by some governments. Only agents of countries that have signed UNR40 can issue it. The United States is not a signatory to UNR40, so there is no US-based ICC agent. The ICC is exactly what it is named. It is mostly used around EU countries to certify that the charterer has the minimum skills necessary. Some countries require you to have the ICC before they will charter a yacht to you.
Not every country requires you to have an ICC. However, most charter companies will not charter a boat to you without an ICC, or an equivalent certificate. Since it isn’t easy for a US-based sailor to obtain an ICC, the ASA has an agreement with Mediterranean charter companies to provide a certification similar to the ICC called the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC).
Please note that any certification should also be paired with the appropriate sailing resume and you should check with your intended charter company to verify what they require.
American Sailing’s IPC is mainly meant for countries that do not accept the UNECE's ICC (International Certificate of Competency) but still want certified proof of Bareboat competency. These countries for the most part are in Mediterranean waters. Charter companies in the following countries have been known to accept American Sailing's IPC:
Belarus, Croatia, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey.
NOTE: We highly recommend you check with your charter company before you book the charter to know whether or not they will accept the IPC as proof of bareboat competency.
No. These certifications are typically utilized by charter companies. However, you should inform yourself on the boating rules and regulations of the regions you plan on sailing in.
The IPC is valid for 5 years from date of issue.
Please apply at: International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) Application