The Bulgarian ICC (International Certificate of Competence) and ISSA (International Sailing School Association) certificate are both certifications that demonstrate competency in sailing. However, there are some differences between the two:
Recognition
The Bulgarian ICC is issued by the Bulgarian authorities and is recognized as a legal document in Bulgaria. It is primarily intended for Bulgarian citizens or residents who wish to sail within Bulgarian waters or need proof of competence for legal requirements within the country. On the other hand, the ISSA certificate is recognized globally and widely accepted in many countries worldwide.
Scope
The Bulgarian ICC is specifically focused on proving competence for recreational sailing within Bulgarian waters. It may not have the same level of international recognition or validity as the ISSA certificate, which is designed to demonstrate sailing competence on a broader scale, allowing individuals to sail in various locations worldwide.
Training and Examination
The requirements for obtaining the Bulgarian ICC and the ISSA certificate may differ. The Bulgarian ICC may require specific training or examination conducted by Bulgarian authorities or authorized training centers within Bulgaria. ISSA, on the other hand, offers its own training courses and examinations through their network of sailing schools and instructors globally.
Course Content
The content covered in the training courses for the Bulgarian ICC and ISSA certificate may vary. The Bulgarian ICC may focus on the specific requirements set by the Bulgarian authorities, which can include sailing theory, practical skills, safety procedures, and navigation specific to Bulgarian waters. ISSA courses, on the other hand, follow a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of sailing, boat handling, navigation, safety, and seamanship that are applicable globally.
International Recognition
While the Bulgarian ICC is recognized within Bulgaria, its recognition outside the country may be limited. The ISSA certificate, on the other hand, has international recognition and is widely accepted in many countries, making it a valuable certification for individuals seeking to sail internationally or gain employment in the sailing industry outside of Bulgaria.
ISSA vs Bulgarian ICC (40 BT)
When considering which certificate to pursue, it is important to assess your specific needs and goals. If you primarily plan to sail within Bulgaria and require legal documentation of competency, the Bulgarian ICC may be more suitable. However, if you have aspirations to sail internationally or seek broader recognition, the ISSA certificate offers a globally recognized credential that may better align with your objectives.
