The International Certificate of Competence (I.C.C.) is often referred to as the Mediterranean Boat Licence. Unlike an Australian Boat Licence, yachts are not exempt from this and it is a requirement even for privately owned vessels.

For very experienced skippers, the I.C.C. can be completed as a one-day assessment. Candidates can be assessed on their own or with another person. A Day Skipper Practical Course is the pathway for skippers who are seeking training prior to gaining an I.C.C.

Once you pass either the I.C.C. assessment or a Day Skipper Practical Course, you apply to the RYA for the I.C.C. certificate. The I.C.C. from the RYA is valid for 5 years. You do not have to complete the test after this time, all you are required to do is renew the licence by paying a fee direct to the RYA.

International Certificate of Competence: aabboating.com/icc

RYA Day Skipper Shorebased: aabboating.com/day-skipper

Assess your skills: https://logbook.members-only.online/get-started

Having the confidence to identify and manage issues with your boat's engines, is an important step for preparing for bluewater adventures. This episode helps you identify where your current skill set is and what steps you could take to develop your skills in this area.

In this episode Neil takes you through some practical ideas, to help you become proficient at identifying vessels at night, making yourself visible and becoming comfortable cruising offshore and in harbours during darkness.

If things get a bit serious on deck, how will you wish you had spent the previous 5 minutes? This podcast explores the practical implementation of becoming proficient at shortening your sails and balancing your monohull or multihull whilst on downwind passages.

In this episode Neil is joined by Mark Hunter the owner of Vacuwash Sail and Canvas Cleaning to share some insights into looking after sails and keeping them clean and free of mould.

The Sea Safety & Survival Course is an essential learning program for anyone who takes to the sea. The course delivers up to date information and current techniques for survival situations including crew overboard emergencies and abandoning ship. Above & Beyond Boating have been recognised by Australian Sailing and World Sailing to provide this e-Learning course.

In this episode, Neil shares his insights into how the new training environment is helping people to learn these potentially life-saving skills.

We speak to Rob Stevens, from TopSail insurance, to find out what insurance considerations you should think about before heading off on Blue Water Sailing adventures. Rob also updates us on the situation with recreational boats being restricted with their movements around the world, and how insurance companies like Topsail are assisting individuals in their own circumstances.

There is a considerable amount of resources available to boaters in this current day when it comes to sourcing accurate weather forecasts. With all of the various apps, websites and reports of weather predictions available, it can be very easy to lose understanding of why weather conditions change and what you should expect in specific conditions. Neil takes a look at how you can undertake a good analysis of weather predictions without taking too much time.

In this episode, Neil discusses the benefits of progressing through your skippering journey with other people, whether they are regular crew members or close friends and family.

If you are looking to modify a setup on your boat whether it is from cruising to racing, or from short coastal adventures to longer offshore passages, then there are a few things to consider to make sure that your time changing things on your boat will be effective and not costly.