Boating in Spain - Requirements? Help Please!!!

[Vincent Vega]

I'm not sure if I've posted this in the right forum, but if not, please direct me to the correct one.

I'm planning on taking my 4.7m inflatable boat with 40hp outboard motor to the Costa Brava in Spain. It's something we've done many times in the past, but somebody mentioned to me recently that I risk having the boat confiscated as I don't have the ICC certificate.

I've looked on various web sites and some seem to say that it's preferable to have the ICC and others say that it's legally required.

I've been boating for 10 years or so and did go on a days course on Windermere around that time but I haven't taken any courses or since then. I'm pretty confident in my abilities and am always very aware of our safety and others safety but also don't want to be doing anything illegal. As ignorance isn't a valid defense I thought I'd better look into this and if required resolve it before I go again in the summer.

Any pointers or definite information would be greatly appreciated. The missus and kids would not be happy if the boat was confiscated on the 1st day. ;-)

Thanks for your help. :-)

[jezza2011]

Hmm found this:

http://www.rya.org.uk/SiteCollection...ICC%20Form.pdf

I was also thinking of takin gmy rib to the med.
But I only have my BSAC Boat handeling courses over 20 years ago and my RYA rescue cox certs ( rescue cox says its level 3 apparently on the cert) . hmmm

[wavelength]

years back we had a phone call from rya to say a guy had been arrested in spain for not having ICC. Boat confiscated and taken to a marina. He had done his level2 with us some time beforehand but had not obtained an ICC after he got his level2. (despite having been told he would need one in the med). His story to the police boat was that they had come alongside so hard they had washed all his paperwork over the side!!! Which was typical of his outlook on life and other people-an A******e
Bottom line was the RYA issued him an ICC after I confirmed he had gained a level2. Apparently cost him wages for delivery driver to take boat to marina and return (wouldnt let him do it), cost of marina storage and a fine.
Couldnt happen to a more deserving person!
I've run courses all over the world and the common theme with coastguards is always have more than the minimum of paperwork! They're not all like our cuddly coastrguards--they have guns and attitude! and at the very least a book of fixed penalty tickets!

[willfinch36]

Hi,
I am about to tow a 5m RIB down to Portugal ( previously have had a share in one down there).

The marine police down there are quite "hot" on pleasure users. I have seen them checking out people before.

Not so sure about Spain, but in Portugal.

You MUST have a copy of your ICC onboard at all times.
Carry in date flares
Carry a first aid kit

etc etc.

[bliksem]

hi

living in Belgium but have some friends in Spain as well

een "Comandancia de la Marina" is to obtain at the harbour and his Captain. he will issue a spanish form of ICC AFTER HE SAW YOUR UK ICC

And your boat has to be registered!!! So you 'd better have a uk registration of any sort! In Belgium we have our Bxxxxxx registration. Show it to the harbour captain.

every boat has to carry an anchor with at least 25 m of warp (chain)
every boat must have a paddle
every boat must have a flotation vest for everyone aboard

insurance is not obligatory but I suppose you 'd better have one.

[captnjack]

Fill a yank in on what an ICC is?

I have what we call a master's aka commercial operator's license here. Its only good for vessels up to 50 tons on "inland" waters which is everything in/around Seattle. "Coastal" not starting until you go quite a ways west of me and I don't have the service time out there to upgrade.

I don't have any international SOLAS endorsements as I don't need them and they are very expensive to get.

[bliksem]

I suppose it is a good idea to get into contact with the US consulate in Spain then. They must be able to help their us citizens (and they are paid for it as well)

email them with your questions and hopefully you are getting some help, one way or another.

hope that helps.

[kerny]

Originally Posted by captnjack

Fill a yank in on what an ICC is?

I have what we call a master's aka commercial operator's license here. Its only good for vessels up to 50 tons on "inland" waters which is everything in/around Seattle. "Coastal" not starting until you go quite a ways west of me and I don't have the service time out there to upgrade.

I don't have any international SOLAS endorsements as I don't need them and they are very expensive to get.

International certificate of competance

[bliksem]

oh

btw

ICC: international certificate of competence!!

[wavelength]

ICC = international certificate of competence in this case for powerboats
Coastal for sea work Inland requires a CEVNI endorsement to say you know, or more likely knew for a short time when you swotted for the test, the "highway code " for european inland waterways. I lived in Holland for a while when the boat was working there and one of our houses was adjacent to the North Sea canal which had loadsa the signs that we usually only see on the cevni test.

Dont forget to take paperwork to say that vat has been paid on the boat, the French in particular can get very excited over vat and the chance to take money off a brit!