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While over forty million Europeans enjoy recreational boating, the legal framework for piloting a boat remains fragmented across borders. This study, commissioned by the European Commission, highlights the difficulties arising from the lack of mutual recognition of boating licenses. It presents three scenarios: change nothing, impose recognition of the ICC certificate, or create a unified European license. Here are the main issues.
A patchwork of national regulations that is difficult to understand
Each member state applies its own criteria: navigation zones (inland or coastal waters), types of boat authorized according to power or length, whether or not a medical certificate is required, period of validity, etc. Some countries require no permit at all (Ireland, Finland, Sweden), while others require a certificate even for small craft. Some countries impose no permit at all (Ireland, Finland, Sweden), while others require a certificate even for small craft.
As a result, yachtsmen sailing outside their home country face legal uncertainties. There is no accessible central database listing the validity of licenses, leading to case-by-case checks that are often arbitrary.
The difficult recognition of ICC certificates
The International Certificate of Competence (ICC), resulting from UNECE Resolution 40, offers a common format for proof of competence. But it is recognized by only some European countries. Some countries have adopted it without actually implementing it, while others do not recognize it at all. The result is a paradoxical situation where a yachtsman in possession of an ICC remains illegal in certain areas.
Despite its limitations, the ICC represents a potential basis for harmonization. But to achieve this, there needs to be a strong political will to make its recognition compulsory within the EU.
The weight of logistics for rental companies and professionals
Charter companies, sailing schools and insurers are faced with heavy administrative constraints. In the absence of a common standard, they have to adapt their contracts, training and insurance conditions to each customer, depending on the flag of the boat, the license held and local regulations. This complicates day-to-day management and limits the development of nautical tourism.
In some countries, such as Italy and Greece, it is often the insurance company or the harbor master's office that determines whether a permit is acceptable. This lack of clarity leads to refusals and even conflicts during inspections.
Impact on safety and boating behavior
The study highlights the lack of consistent data on boating accidents. In this context, it is difficult to correlate the rigor of examinations with safety levels. However, certain signals point to a high-risk situation: licence fraud, lack of skills verification, ignorance of navigation rules...
Better recognition of skills, and above all harmonized training, could improve safety. But only if countries agree to align themselves on a common base.
Three scenarios, three visions for European yachting
The first scenario is to change nothing. It perpetuates the current vagueness, jurisdictional conflicts and barriers to mobility. It does not meet the needs of boaters or professionals.
The second scenario proposes to make mutual recognition of the CCI compulsory. This would be a pragmatic solution, relatively simple to implement, with rapid benefits for industry players. But it would require all member states to adopt Resolution 40 and harmonize the procedures for issuing the CCI.
Finally, the third scenario calls for the creation of a single European license. The advantage: true unification, clear and robust. But the costs of harmonization, political reluctance and the negotiations required make this a long-term option, not very realistic in the short term. In conclusion, mutual recognition of the ICC appears to be the most operational option in the short term, while paving the way for convergence of standards towards a future European license.
In the meantime, however, yachtsmen will have to navigate between grey areas, keep their fingers crossed at the checkpoints, and professionals will have to deal with a patchwork of regulations worthy of a 50s nautical chart.
