Basic knowledge about boat labelling: What you need to know about boat papers
Jürgen Strassburger
· 06.01.2025
Newcomers and newcomers often face a mountain of questions about registration, papers and labelling. In this article, we want to clear up the chaos a little.
Questions upon questions that not only newcomers face, but also experienced skippers who want to set off for the first time in a previously unfamiliar area. But before we turn to the question of which German boat licence you need abroad, we need to clarify which boat licences exist in Germany, why you need them and how they differ.
What boat papers are available?
The legislator distinguishes between official and officially recognised boat papers.
Official boat documents are:
- Identification of the small vehicle licence plate
- Ship's letter
- Flag certificate
- Ship certificate
Officially recognised boat documents are
- International Boat Licence (IBS)
In other words, there are five different boat documents from which every boat owner is free to choose the document of their choice - with two exceptions: An inland waterway vessel with a displacement of 10 cubic metres or more must be entered in the inland waterway register, a seagoing vessel with a length of 15 metres or more must be entered in the seagoing vessel register.
This immediately raises the question of what is a sea-going vessel and what is an inland waterway vessel?
Sea or inland waterway vessel?
The legislator has not provided any clear guidelines to answer this question: even the references to the "predominant sailing area of the vessel" and "certain sizes of the vessel" do not ultimately provide any clear clarification as to which category the vessel belongs to. Many boats stationed in the coastal area are constantly deployed alternately in the inland and sea areas. So where do they belong? Are they sea-going or inland vessels?
Does the "size" at least provide a clear distinguishing criterion? Not at all! The different parameters "displacement" for "inland waterway vessels" and "length" for "seagoing vessels" further increase the confusion. This is illustrated by the following example: All boats with a displacement of more than 10 cubic metres would have to be entered in the inland navigation register as an "inland waterway vessel". However, if such a boat is less than 15 metres long, a simple "trick" is enough to avoid the costly entry in the inland waterway register: The owner applies for a flag certificate and has thus officially turned his boat into a "seagoing vessel", which may no longer be entered in the inland waterway register because double registrations are not permitted. Conversely, a yacht that is more than 15 metres long but displaces less than 10 cubic metres can be turned into an inland waterway vessel by means of the "small craft registration certificate", for example, which does not have to be entered in the register of seagoing vessels despite its length. Only when the limit values for both parameters - displacement and length - are exceeded does the owner actually have to decide whether he wants to have his ship entered in the maritime or inland waterway register. The current "room for manoeuvre" would be eliminated immediately if the legislator were to apply the same parameters to the obligation to register sea-going and inland waterway vessels, for example the length.
Even with smaller boats, the legal situation is by no means clear: in 2018, we were faced with the question of whether a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) just under 6 metres long was a seagoing vessel and whether a flag certificate could therefore be issued for it. After a long back and forth, the responsible Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) informed us:
The European Parliament's Recreational Craft Directive provides the opportunity to use the CE seaworthiness classification contained therein "to simplify decisions on the "seagoing vessel" characteristic and make them more transparent. This means that ships that fulfil at least the requirements for category "B" can in principle receive a flag certificate". For other vessels, the BSH continues, a case-by-case assessment will be carried out on the basis of the documents submitted by the applicant. "For inflatable boats in particular, it can be assumed in the vast majority of cases that these requirements are not met." An inflatable boat is therefore not a seagoing vessel!
Why do you need boat papers?
In national and international traffic, boat papers are first and foremost documents that provide credible proof of ownership of the boat. In addition, they are the basis for the identification of a small craft in accordance with German regulations, which is often also recognised abroad. In Germany, they have been an indispensable prerequisite for navigating the federal waterways of the Rhine, Moselle, Danube and the waterways within the scope of the Inland Waterways Ordinance since the "Ordinance on the Marking of Small Vessels Travelling on Inland Waterways" (Small Vessel Marking Ordinance Inland of 21 February 1995, Federal Law Gazette I, page 226) came into force. Because: No licence plate without boat papers and no inland navigation without a licence plate!
This regulation stipulates that all small craft (boats whose hull, excluding bowsprit and rudder, has a maximum length of less than 20 metres) powered by a propulsion engine of more than 2.21 kW and sailing boats (without an engine) of more than 5.50 metres in length must display an official or officially recognised registration number on inland waterways.
The respective licence plate number can be found on the boat document that was issued for the boat upon application.
So let's take a look at which boat documents are available in Germany, which licence plates result from them, how and where you can obtain the relevant document and how much it costs.
What is the difference between official and officially recognised?
Official documents are issued by German authorities, while officially recognised documents, such as the International Boat Certificate (IBS), are issued by other institutions such as the ADAC or the German Sailing Association, but are still officially recognised.
Official boat documents
Identification of the small vehicle licence plate
The number entered in the small craft licence, together with the identification letters of the waterways and shipping office to which it is allocated, forms the official registration number. This document is used by all Water and shipping authorities in Germany awarded on application.
The ID card and the licence plate of the waterways and shipping authorities are valid for an unlimited period. Changes to the data entered in the licence must be reported to the issuing authority immediately.
The allocation of this licence plate including the issue of the ID card costs 18 euros, the registration of a change of ownership 15 euros, all other changes 10 euros, a replacement copy 13 euros.
Ship letter (inland vessels)
The licence plate resulting from this document consists of the ship's registration number shown in the ship's letter, followed by the identification letter "B". In addition, the name of the vessel and the home port or place of registration must be affixed to the boat.
Only boats that are entered in an inland waterway register receive the ship's licence. Inland waterway vessels with a displacement of 10 cubic metres or more must be entered in the register of inland waterway vessels. Inland waterway vessels with a displacement of at least 5 cubic metres are eligible for registration.
The data and documents to be provided when registering an inland waterway vessel are specified in the "Schiffsregisterordnung" (BGBl I, 1994, p. 1134). These include the "calibration certificate", which is issued by the Central Ship Inspection Commission/Ship Calibration Office at the Waterways and Shipping Directorate Southwest after the boat has been calibrated (measured) (see: Regulation on the calibration of inland waterway vessels, BGBl. I, 1975, p. 1785).
Inland shipping registers are kept at the local courts (www.elwis.de). The costs for entry in the inland waterway register depend on the value of the boat. There are also fees for the issue of the ship's certificate.
Flag certificate
The official licence plate resulting from this document consists of the number shown in the flag certificate followed by the identification letter "F". In addition, the name of the home port at the stern and the name of the vessel must be displayed in clearly visible and fixed characters.
The flag certificate is issued by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) on application for seagoing vessels whose hull length does not exceed 15 metres.
As the documents to be submitted for the flag certificate are very extensive, the information sheet "Notes on the application for a flag certificate" should always be downloaded from the BSH before submitting the application. The flag certificate is valid for eight years and costs 40 euros. After eight years, the document can be renewed for 25 euros. Amendments and replacement copies also cost 25 euros.
Ship certificate (seagoing vessels)
The inland navigation licence plate resulting from this document consists of the maritime registration number shown in the ship's certificate. If available, the radio call sign (including distinguishing signal) or the IMO number can also be affixed to the boat as an official licence plate. In addition, the ship's name and home port must be affixed to the boat in the prescribed manner.
The ship certificate is only issued to boats that are entered in the shipping register. Sea-going vessels with a hull length of 15 metres or more must be entered in the register of sea-going vessels. Smaller boats can be entered in the register of sea-going vessels at the request of the owner.
The data to be provided when registering a seagoing vessel is set out in the "Ship Register Regulations" (BGBl I, 1994, p. 1134). This includes the "tonnage certificate", which is issued by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) upon application for pleasure craft up to 24 metres in length. Shipping registers are kept at the local courts.
The costs for entry in the shipping register depend on the value of the boat. There are also fees for issuing the ship certificate.
Officially recognised boat documents
International Boat Licence (IBS)
The registration number resulting from this document consists of the number of the International Boat Certificate, followed by the code letter of the issuing organisation. The code letter "M" stands for the German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV), the code letter "S" for the German Sailing Association (DSV) and the code letter "A" for the General German Automobile Club (ADAC) (see below for the addresses of the issuing organisations).
In Germany, the International Boat Certificate is valid as an officially recognised registration document as long as the data entered remains unchanged. As a boat document for international use, the IBS may not be older than two years. It must therefore be renewed every two years for this use.
Members pay 20 euros to "their" organisation for the reissue of an IBS. Non-members pay 25 euros. Renewals, extensions and amendments cost 18 euros.
What applies to boats that are only used at sea?
Boats that are used exclusively on sea and maritime waterways are not subject to the labelling requirement in accordance with the rules for inland navigation labelling described above. They do not have to carry an official or officially recognised licence plate.
The labelling of such boats is governed by the provisions of the Flag Law Act if the right to fly the federal flag has been certified by the flag certificate or the ship certificate.
- A seagoing vessel for which a ship's certificate has been issued must display its name on each side of the bow and its name and the name of its home port on the stern in clearly visible and firmly affixed characters.
- A seagoing vessel for which a flag certificate is issued and valid must have the harbour indicated therein at the stern as well as the ship's name in clearly visible and firmly affixed characters.
Please note: If sea-going vessels labelled in this way enter inland waterways, they are subject to the Inland Labelling Ordinance and must also display the licence plate corresponding to the existing boat document on the boat.
This labelling obligation begins immediately inland of the borders of the maritime waterways and also applies if the stay on the inland waterway is only of short duration.
Country code
Licence plates issued in accordance with the laws of individual federal states are accepted nationwide as official licence plates for inland traffic if they have been recognised by the Federal Minister of Transport. These include, for example, the licence plates issued by the district offices on Lake Constance. You can find a complete overview of recognised number plates here.
What is included in the application for the boat papers?
In principle, official and officially recognised number plates must be applied for from the authorities or institutions named.
In addition to the personal data of the applicant, which can be taken from the identity card, the following documents or data are required:
- the facts justifying the acquisition of the boat, e.g. purchase contract;
- Confirmation of full payment (only for flag certificate);
- Technical data of the boat:
- Type of craft and main construction material,
- Boat type/yard/build number,
- Year of construction,
- Width, length, draught, weight (displacement),
- Details of the engines including engine number; - 2 photos of the boat (only for flag certificate);
- Copy of the declaration of conformity (not for flag certificate). (Applies to recreational craft first placed on the market of the European Union or another state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area after 15 June 1996 and to personal watercraft placed on the market after 31 December 2005).
In principle, all information must be made credible. For example, official documents, manufacturer documents (brochures), expert reports or the manufacturer's boat certificate can be used for this purpose.
What about changes?
What should I do if the technical or personal data entered in a boat document changes? We have already mentioned that the International Boat Licence loses its validity if data changes occur. The same applies to official boat documents. In practice, this means that any changes must be reported to the issuing institution and the document amended. Any owner of a small craft who fails to immediately report changes in name or address, changes in technical boat or engine data or changes in ownership and submit them for correction is committing an administrative offence! Reporting is also mandatory if the boat is destroyed, is no longer suitable for use on inland waterways or is to be deregistered!
Special case dinghy
According to the Small Vehicle Labelling Ordinance, dinghies are expressly exempt from the labelling requirement (KlFzKV-BinSch § 1, Para. 2.e). But what is a dinghy? The Federal Ministry of Transport has explained this to us:
A dinghy is an accessory to a larger watercraft and falls into the category of small craft such as yachts or dinghies. It either has no propulsion of its own or only an auxiliary motor. It is used to ferry people ashore or as a means of rescue. As long as a dinghy is used in this function, it does not need to be labelled in accordance with the Inland Labelling Ordinance. Instead, according to § 2.02 No. 2 of the Inland Waterways Regulations (the other traffic regulations have the same wording), a licence plate affixed on the inside or outside is sufficient to allow the owner to be identified, even if only by a clear reference to the main vessel to which it belongs.
As soon as a "dinghy" is used in another function, i.e. for independent journeys, it is subject to the general regulations, usually those for small craft. For example, if it is motorised with more than 2.21 kW, it is subject to the provisions of the Inland Labelling Ordinance and must therefore be labelled.
Licence plate number: How big - where to?
Markings must be displayed in Latin letters and Arabic numerals at least 10 cm high in a light colour on a dark background or in a dark colour on a light background on both sides of the bow or on the stern of the boat. The licence plate must be clearly visible and legible at all times.
What if ...
...the application for a flag certificate requires the indication of the home port, but the (trailer) boat has no home port at all?
The BSH requires a location that must be on a navigable body of water when specifying the home port. If, for example, the place of residence is on a navigable body of water, this can be entered as the "home port", even if the boat is normally kept in the garage at home. If possible, the "home port" should be a place in Germany.
... the boat has a foreign home port and is to be driven inland in Germany. Is it then subject to compulsory labelling?
Only if the owner is resident in Germany. If he is resident abroad, the labelling prescribed there with the nationality mark is accepted. If there is no regulation there, the boat must be labelled with its name and home port as well as the name and address of its owner.
German boat papers abroad
All official and officially recognised boat documents issued in accordance with German regulations are also recognised in other European countries.
In Switzerland, German guest boats are only allowed to sail on many waters if they have a Swiss licence plate and also have a shipping police permit (shipping licence). German boat papers and labelling the boat in accordance with German regulations are therefore not sufficient in many places in Switzerland.
One document is sufficient
Time and again we hear from skippers that they have several boat documents. Apart from the fact that this is a waste of money, multiple registration also makes little sense when it comes to identifying the boat on inland waterways: no boat can cope with more than one licence plate. And the water police would probably not be too happy if a boat came along with a jumble of numbers from two different licence plates.
To avoid this double registration, you should be clear about what you are going to do with your boat when you first register it.
- If you only drive in Germany, the simplest and cheapest option is certainly the small vehicle licence plate (WSA card).
- If you also want to go abroad, the WSA licence is sufficient in most cases (even in Croatia!), but in some countries it is certainly less complicated with the international boat licence.
This option is relatively expensive, as the IBS has to be renewed every two years for a fee! In many cases, the institution to which you apply for the IBS will depend on your club affiliation. However, you should also check which benefits the issuing institutions grant their members on the basis of "their" International Boat Licence. In individual cases, the cost of renewing the IBS every two years may well be recouped.
If you want to avoid all these considerations and have a boat document that is recognised worldwide without restrictions, you should opt for a flag certificate, also because of the lower costs compared to the IBS (eight-year term). The flag certificate is proof of authorisation to fly the German flag. In addition, the flag certificate is more valuable as proof of ownership than the WSA certificate and the IBS: ownership of the boat must not only be "credibly demonstrated", but "proven". What is required is "proof of purchase and full payment for the vessel".
Where can I find which document?
Identification of the small vehicle licence plate
On application to all German waterway and shipping authorities. A complete list of offices with addresses and telephone numbers is available on the Internet at gdws.wsv.bund.de
Ship letter (inland vessels)/ship certificate (seagoing vessels)
These documents are issued by the German local courts, the so-called registry courts, when an entry is made in the register. A complete list of German maritime and inland waterway registers with addresses and telephone numbers is available on the Internet at elwis.de
Flag certificate
This document is issued on application by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 78, 20359 Hamburg. www.bsh.de
International Boat Licence (IBS)
Issued on request by the following organisations/associations:
- Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobilclub (ADAC), Grenzverkehr und Sportschifffahrt, Am Westpark 8, 81373 Munich. www.adac.de
- German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV), Vinckeufer 12-14, 47119 Duisburg. www.dmyv.de
- German Sailing Association (DSV), Gründgensstraße 18, 22309 Hamburg. www.dsv.org
