Best certification to get (if any) for world cruising

[Ranshiro]

I'm an American living in eastern Asia. Current plan is within the next two years get a boat and transition to sailing the world full time. I sailed quite a bit when young, but as it's been over two decades since I've been sailing, I'll definitely be taking some courses (ASA or RYA or anything else?)

Since I'll be taking courses, I'd like to take the ones which will result in me getting any needed license/certification. All my research seems to be mixing me up as a lot of places say no license or certification is necessary for cruising the world, while others say that some countries require a certification and Europe (especially inland) requires an ICC. It also seems like certain certifications may help when getting insurance?

So any advice/info would be appreciated. Since there are no courses in English where I live, the whole world is pretty much open to me for where to take classes. So I'm open to any courses that would give me the most "useful" or widely accepted certification.

[john61ct]

https://www.google.com/search?q=site...sforum.com+rya

[belizesailor]

The only area I know of that seems prone to asking recreational sailors for liscencing is Europe. You can get an ICC via either ASA or RYA. You dont need any form of liscencing to sail recreationally in most of the world.

If you have any thoughts of going pro in the future then RYA is the most relevant path as they have pro certifications, ASA is recreational only.

Also look at availability of affiliated schools in your area...that may become the deciding factor.

And look at the search link John posted above. There are loads of threads here discussing the relative merits of ASA vs RYA.

[Ranshiro]

Thank you for your reply. I think I didn't phrase the question correctly, which is my fault. I wasn't necessarily looking for which course is better. Rather I was looking for which course offers a more widely accepted certification. I had done a search before and gone back through the pages on this forum about licenses but in all the reading it seemed most info was about the actual value of ASA vs RYA, rather than the usefulness of any license they provide. Licenses came up in a few older threads but seemed to have some conflicting information. Granted I know times change and countries change their rules.

But your response answered that question directly. Thank you. I have noticed that the ASA's version of an ICC is called an IPC. I'd be curious if anybody has had an issue with this not being accepted.

Thanks in advance.

[DefinitelyMe]

For world cruising on your own boat, none of the certifications (I.e. the bits of paper) are of any value.

What do you mean by asking if it will 'be accepted'? Accepted by whom, and for what purpose are you expecting to need some sort of paper qualification?

[john61ct]

Yes sounds like you're overestimating the need for any "license" at all.

Learning the actual skills is 5000x more important than the piece of paper.

If you were renting a charter boat in some nanny-state jurisdiction, either one will usually do in practice.

To find differences would be a challenge, and only pertain to that one context.

[boom23]

Assuming you have your own boat, if you feel that you need a certification, get the one that is required in your residence country, or boat registration country. At least you have something to show, in case someone asks. It may be good for insurance reasons too.

But, if you feel that you need more knowledge, get all the certifications you can. In real life though, practical experience is the best teacher.

[Seman]

I have been almost around, including Europe, sailing the past 15 years from Australia. I have no formal sailing certificates, or licence. The only time I have been ask for a certificate was in Madagascar. I showed them my car drivers licence and told them it covers boats as well, and that was it.

[boatman61]

For a good grounding in all area's go for the RYA Coastal Skipper and a VHF Licence.

[carstenb]

Croatia requires at least an ICC. Greece sometimes can be picky as can Portugal (but you have to be unlucky to find a maritime policeman in portugal that cares)

Otherwise - mostly any type of certification will get you a break on your insurance

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Ranshiro

Thank you for your reply. I think I didn't phrase the question correctly, which is my fault. I wasn't necessarily looking for which course is better. Rather I was looking for which course offers a more widely accepted certification. I had done a search before and gone back through the pages on this forum about licenses but in all the reading it seemed most info was about the actual value of ASA vs RYA, rather than the usefulness of any license they provide. Licenses came up in a few older threads but seemed to have some conflicting information. Granted I know times change and countries change their rules.

But your response answered that question directly. Thank you. I have noticed that the ASA's version of an ICC is called an IPC. I'd be curious if anybody has had an issue with this not being accepted.

Thanks in advance.

IIRC there is a process to get an ICC from ASA. I will confirm.

For recreational sailing, both are recognized very widely and I doubt any officials will care as long as they can tick the box that you have the piece of paper they want.

[Time2Go]

Originally Posted by boatman61

For a good grounding in all area's go for the RYA Coastal Skipper and a VHF Licence.

Totally agree with Boatman.
I researched this a bit about 5 years ago
as i was starting to “Crew” around the world.
Without a doubt the RYA is held in higher
international esteem. No hard evidence
to offer However I got many more call backs
when I posted
RYA Coastal Skipper/Tidal with ICC
On occasion got picked up for deliveries
with all expenses paid. SWEET
PM me for recommendation in the UK
Cheers
Neil

[rudykruger]

Have you looked at IYT? They are based in Canada but have accredited schools worldwide including Thailand, China, Indonesia etc. Their accreditation is widely accepted and you can get an ICC if you do their bareboat skipper course plus VHF course. Doing the training in Thailand, run by Australians and Brits mostly, is cheap by any standards.

https://www.iytworld.com/

[Ranshiro]

Thank you everybody for sharing your firsthand experiences. It has gone a long way to helping me paint a better picture of what I need (and don't need) for certain places.

And thanks for the suggestion about IYT, i didn't know they give an actual ICC. I'll add them to the list to do more research about.