Overview and legal basis
What is CCI and why it matters
The ICC (International Pleasure Craft Operator's Certificate) is the document which certifies, to internationally recognised standards, that you are fit to operate a recreational craft. Basically, it's your 'passport' as a skipper abroad - it makes charters and checks easier, and is quickly recognised by authorities in many countries.
Legal basis - Order No 2366/28.11.2022
In Romania, the updating of the framework for issuing and validating CCIs came through Order of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure No 2366 of 28 November 2022. It introduced the new format of certificates, including QR code for digital verification and expiry date clearly labelled. The aim: to align with European standards and simplify control.
Deadline: 31 December 2025
If you have a Romanian CCI issued according to the old rules, the exchange is compulsory until 31 December 2025. After this date, non-compliant documents will be treated as expired, and sailing with them becomes illegal.
Who needs to exchange their licence
How to identify if your licence needs to be exchanged
Check two elements on your certificate:
- NO exchange required if:
- are QR code for digital verification;
- are expiry date printed.
- exchange NEEDED if:
- missing QR code or missing expiry date (or both);
- was issued before the entry into force of Order No 2366/2022.
Special situations (licence issued before/after 2022)
- Before 2022: almost certainly needs to be exchanged (old format).
- After 2022: if you see QR + expiry, most likely you're all right.
Documents needed (full list and checks)
Basic documents
- Current certificate (original).
- Copy of identity card (clear, legible).
- Two photos Passport type, recent (no hat/sunglasses this time ).
Medical and psychological documents
Golden rule: both must be issued within 3 months before submission.
Medical certificate requirements
- Released by family doctor.
- Contains the mention: "visually and hearing fit".
- Checks: mobility of limbs, possible heart problems or neurological relevant.
- Maximum validity 90 days at the time of submission
.
Requirements for the psychological opinion
- Contains the mention: "Apt pleasure boat driver".
- Evaluate: attention (concentrated and distributive), reactivity, emotional balance, responsibility and risk awareness.
- Maximum validity 3 months on submission.
Where to submit your application (NRAs, Capita, Offices)
NRA headquarters and offices - what you choose and when
The submission is made personal by the holder to:
- ANR headquarters (Romanian Naval Authority)
- Zonal Captains
- Harbour Harbour Offices in the country
Choose location based on proximity and programme flow - some hostels have online slots or dedicated contacts.
Useful contact points (Snagov, Constanța, Tulcea, Galați, Giurgiu, Drobeta Turnu Severin)
- Snagov Regional Captaincy
Address.
Tel: 0212242509
Email: [email protected] - Zonal Captaincy Constanta
Address: Incinta Port Constanta, Poarta nr.1, ANR Building, Et.2
Tel: 0372 419 833
Email: [email protected] - Regional Captaincy Tulcea
Address: Str. Portului nr. 36, Tulcea
Tel: 0240 513226, 0372 376740
Email: [email protected] - Regional Captaincy Galati
Address: 34 Portului Street, Galati
Tel: 0236 460538
Email: [email protected] - Giurgiu Zonal Captaincy
Tel: 0246 211015, 0372 735309
Email: [email protected] - Drobeta Turnu Severin Regional Captaincy
Address: Str. Portului nr.3, Drobeta Turnu Severin
Tel: 0252 316493, 0372 408451
Email: [email protected] - Dej Regional Headquarters
Address: Str. Frăgilor nr. 10, Loc. Dej, Cluj county
Tel: 0264 220 255 / 0764 694 100
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Practical tip: Call ahead to confirm the programme with the public and any local requirements (e.g. number of copies required, payment times, collection point).
How to programme
Online appointments (Galați, Constanța)
The NRA offers online appointments for certain counties. Currently, Galati and Constanța have dedicated appointment scheduling systems, which shortens your waiting time and secures you a clear time slot.
Contacts and correct telephone number for appointment
- Constanța: Adriana Elena Bota - Tel: 0372 416 234
- Tulcea: Ali Anca - Tel: 0240 513 226 / 0372 376 740
- Galați: Cezar Roxana - Tel: 0236 460 538 / 0783 155 417
Comment: If you can't find a slot online, insist by phone. Sometimes cancellations occur and you may be able to catch an earlier appointment.
Fees and how to pay
Single fee of 60 lei - for all categories A, B, C, D
The exchange fee is 60 lei, whatever category Easy to remember and budget for.
How to pay the captain's fee correctly
Payment is made in cash, directly to the captain's office. Ask at the counter if you need a separate receipt or a cheque. OP (payment order) in certain locations - procedures may vary.
The steps of the pre-exchange explained simply
1) Prepare the file
- Check current licence (do you have QR + expiry? if not, get ready for the pre-swap).
- Collect ID, 2 passport photos.
- Do medical certificate (mention "visually and hearing fit", max. 90 days).
- Get psychological opinion ("Apt pleasure boat driver", max. 3 months).
- Put everything in an envelope with a checklist on the cover.
2) Programme and submit
- Choose your captaincy (preferably with online appointment if you are in Galați/Constanța).
- Confirm time, counter, fee and how to lift.
- Deposit personal - is compulsory.
3) Pick up the document - in person, by proxy or by courier
After processing:
- You can pick up personal.
- You can empower another person with notarised power of attorney.
- You can request sending by post/courier (if the office accepts; ask on the day of filing).
Validity of new certificates
10 years, whatever grade
New CCIs issued under the post-2022 regulations have validity 10 years from the date of release - for all grades.
Digital QR code verification
The QR code printed on the document allows quick check by authorities and charter companies. Benefit: it minimises arguments, shortens check-in and prevents confusion between national formats.
Consequences if you miss the deadline
Licence expired after 31.12.2025
If you don't cash in by 31 December 2025your licence is considered expired. The direct consequence: you cannot surf legally until a valid certificate is issued.
Prohibition to sail until a valid document is obtained
Apart from the legal aspect, not having a valid CCI can blogs:
- hiring a boat abroad;
- participation in nautical events;
Practical recommendations (checklist)
- 1: Check your licence (QR + expiry). Call the harbour office for appointment.
- 2: Do occupational medicine/family doctor for the ++ receipt psychologistCheck the exact mentions.
- 3: Do photos; print CI copies; prepare fee or cash.
- 4: Submit your application. Ask for release deadline and pick up/drop option.
- 5: Keep in touch with the office in case of additions.
- 6: Pick up the document. Spot check: correct name, class, expiry date, QR.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Outdated medical documents (91 days is not 90).
Solution: Schedule your doctor's appointment no more than 2-3 weeks before your submission. - Lack of mandatory particulars ("Visually and hearing fit", "Able to drive pleasure craft").
Solution: Explicitly say exactly what to write. - Confusion between new CCI and old licence without QR.
Solution: Check visually. If missing QR/expiry → preswap. - Apply directly without an appointment in crowded locations.
Solution: Call, check, book.
Frequently Asked Questions about pre-exchange
Differences between classes (A, B, C, D) and ICC
In practice, owners of A/B/C/D licences can apply for the related CCI. Presubscription not change your class, but format and validity international (including QR and expiry).
I already have QR and expiry date. Do I still exchange?
Normally, no. If your CCI has QR and expiry printed and issued after 2022, you're compliant.
What if I can't make the pick-up in person?
You can designate someone by notarised power of attorney or you can ask dispatch by courier/post (office permitting).
What happens if they go beyond 31.12.2025?
Your licence becomes expired. No you can still sail legally until you get a new valid certificate.
Why is the QR code important?
Shortens checks, removes ambiguities, provides traceability and Trust charters and authorities.
Conclusion
Preschanging the CCI in Romania is a process easily: check if you need it (QR + expiry?), collect the (IC, photos, medical + psychological in term), you programme to the captain's office, you pay 60 lei and go to new certificate. Don't leave it to the last minute - plan ahead and sail smoothly.
FAQ
1) If I have a licence with QR, but no printed expiry, do I exchange it?
Yes, no expiry date is grounds for cancellation.
2) Can I apply without passport photos?
No. Photos are mandatory and must respect the format.
3) Is the medical valid for 90 days or 3 months?
The medical certificate has maximum validity 90 days, and psychological opinion are maximum 3 months. Both must be on time at date of submission.
4) What do I do if I don't get an online appointment?
Call directly to the captain - sometimes they turn up cancellations. In Galati and Constanta, there are online systems; in other areas, the phone remains the quick solution.
5) Can someone else pick up the certificate for me?
Yes, with notarised power of attorney. Alternatively, some offices allow dispatch by courier on request.
