Labelling regulation: Kayaks and the like must sometimes also bear boat names

In the specific case reported by the Berlin newspaper B.Z., two friends were travelling in their inflatable kayak in the Spreewald south of the capital. When they were stopped by the police, they initially expected an alcohol test. Their surprise was correspondingly great when they were instead given a 55 euro fine for not having the name of their boat.

Labelling is a topic during training

The subject of licence plates and compulsory labelling is also part of the training for a recreational boating licence. But even experienced skippers are not always sure which small craft is affected - let alone what happens to inflatable sports equipment or bathing toys. However, those who are out on the water without a licence, for example with a kayak, often only find out about the relevant regulations when it is too late.

But ignorance is no defence against punishment. Even in the sub-category of so-called micro-vehicles, which also includes kayaks. In order to avoid costly offences, it is therefore worthwhile not only knowing about the different types of small vehicles to have at least a rough overview, but also to know the local regulations in this respect (even for the most unwieldy titles) - and this also includes labelling and marking requirements.

Regulations for federal and state waters

On the one hand, this includes nationwide regulations such as the Inland NavigationLabelling regulation for small vehicles (KlFzKV-BinSch) or the Recreational craft hire regulations within (BinSch-SportbootVermV), but also local regulations. This is because as soon as you are on a state waterway, the corresponding navigation or utilisation regulations of the respective federal state also apply there.

To stay with the example of the two paddlers mentioned above, in Brandenburg this would be the State Shipping Ordinance (LSchiffV)as the waterways of the Spreewald are state waters. Paragraph 34 deals with the "small craft licence plates" - and stipulates that a kayak must also be marked there.