Ireland
- Who issues it
- Department of Transport — Irish Maritime Administration (Mercantile Marine Office); Irish Sailing issues ICCs for the government.
- Buoyage
- IALA region A
Do you need a licence?
No, private recreational boating in Irish waters does not require a national skipper's licence.
You don't need one for:
- a private recreational boat in Irish waters
You must be 12 for an engine over 3.7 kW, 5 hp, and 16 for a jet ski or fast power craft capable of 17 knots or more. Local waterway rules also apply.
International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC)
From 16
- What it lets you do
- This is optional proof of your competence abroad for motor boats under 10 metres or under 24 metres, and sail boats under 24 metres. It can cover coastal or inland waters, as endorsed.
- How you get it
- You need a qualifying certificate or a direct skills assessment. An inland endorsement also requires the Irish Sailing CEVNI test.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Professional deck titles
Rating forming part of a navigational watch
STCW II/4- What it lets you do
- You can support the navigational watch on seagoing ships of 500 GT or more.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Able seafarer deck
STCW II/5- What it lets you do
- You can carry out qualified deck rating duties on seagoing ships of 500 GT or more.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Officer in charge of a navigational watch (less than 500 GT, near-coastal); Master Near Coastal Area
STCW II/3- What it lets you do
- You can obtain a separate certificate for watchkeeping or command on ships under 500 GT on near-coastal voyages.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Officer in charge of a navigational watch (unlimited)
STCW II/1- What it lets you do
- You can keep a navigational watch without a tonnage limit, subject to your certificate's endorsements.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Chief Mate (less than 3000 GT); Chief Mate (unlimited)
STCW II/2- What it lets you do
- You can serve as chief mate within the under 3,000 GT or unlimited certificate you hold.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Master (less than 3000 GT); Master (unlimited)
STCW II/2- What it lets you do
- You can command ships within the under 3,000 GT or unlimited certificate you hold.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Radio certificates
Radio Operator’s Short Range Certificate of Competency
SRC- What it lets you do
- You can operate marine VHF and DSC on recreational craft in Sea Area A1, within the modules you hold.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Radio Operator’s Long Range Certificate of Competency
LRC- What it lets you do
- This qualifies you for radio duties on recreational craft operating beyond VHF DSC coastal-station coverage.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Restricted Operator’s Certificate of Competency
ROC- What it lets you do
- You can perform GMDSS radio duties in Sea Area A1.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) General Operator’s Certificate of Competency
GOC- What it lets you do
- You can perform GMDSS radio duties worldwide in Sea Areas A1, A2, A3 and A4.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Ready to study for it?
The Academy is free with an account: lessons for every topic, timed mocks marked like the real exam, and your progress saved.
Official sources: Irish Sailing — Cruising FAQs · Department of Transport — Code of Practice: The Safe Operation of Recreational Craft (2024; Irish Sailing copy) · Irish Sailing — 2026 Guide to the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft · Irish Statute Book — European Union (Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Regulations 2014, S.I. No. 242/2014 · Irish Sailing — Department of Transport-approved Commercial Endorsements: Accepted Certificates (25 April 2024) · Bord Iascaigh Mhara — Skills Prospectus (issued May 2025), radio certificates