To apply for an ICC you must be:

age 16 or over
physically and mentally fit to operate a pleasure craft
Completing the online application for an ICC
If you are applying for your first ICC issued by the RYA or requesting a replacement for a lost ICC you will need:

A digital copy (photograph or scan) of your passport or a national ID card showing your nationality
If you do not have a passport or a national ID card showing your nationality you can only apply to the RYA for an ICC using the paper application form.
A digital copy of a document which confirms your habitual residential address as detailed in ICC-2 Notes: Evidencing identity and eligibility.
Collectively these documents must verify your identity (name, address, date of birth, photograph) and your nationality.
Evidence of your competence for each of the categories you request are validated on your ICC
A photograph in portrait orientation
Note: you can only upload pdf or jpg files of less than 5MB.
If you are renewing or updating the details on your ICC you will need:

Your current / expiring ICC
Documents which verify any changes to the information printed on your current / expiring ICC, as detailed in ICC-2 Notes: Evidencing identity and eligibility.
Evidence of your competence for any additional categories you would like to be validated on your new ICC.
A photograph in portrait orientation
Note: you can only upload pdf or jpg files of less than 5MB.
If your application is successful your ICC will be sent by post to your residential address. Sending the ICC to the address printed on the certificate is part of the RYA’s verification process for the issue of the certificate. The ICC will not be posted to any address other than the one printed on the certificate.

If you are an experienced boater but you don’t have evidence of competence you will need to take an ICC assessment.