The Federal Law Gazette of 16 October made it official: under the general title "Ordinance on the amendment of recreational craft regulations in the maritime and inland waterways sector", the following was immediately published a whole series of important points. By far the most important (and most discussed), however, revolves around theNew "driving licence exemption" up to 15 hp"Previously, engines over 5 hp required a licence, but now a skipper only needs an inland navigation licence (SBF Binnen) for engines with more than 15 hp at the stern.
This opens up a whole range of new possibilities for beginners: 15 hp outboard motors are not only suitable for day trips, but also forWater hiking. For inflatable boats up to around 4 metres in length and smaller cabin cruisers, 15 hp propulsion power is more than enough for comfortable cruising, inflatable boats can even glide (depending on the load) and the boats are large enough to stow luggage.
The BOOTE editorial team has had a combination of inflatable boat and 15 hp outboard motor in its inventory for years, which can be easily transported by car andGreat flexibility offers. This combination makes it easy to explore most German waterways on trips lasting several days. And once you have started boating in this way, you can also explore other destinations. (for example this one) or get a driving licence and switch to a larger boat.
Federal Minister of Transport Peter Ramsauer justified the new regulation with the great popularity of water tourism and its simultaneous importance as a growing economic sector: "We want to make access to water sports easier, especially for young people." According to the minister, the easing of the regulations was based on those of our European neighbours.
TheReactions some of which turned out to be heavy: On the Facebook page of BOOTE Commentators warned of "licence-less nixers" and "hobby captains whipping across the water", while others at least spoke of a "nonsensical" or "dangerous" innovation.
The regulation was already controversial beforehand: Especially the umbrella organisations for water sportsDMYV and DSV spoke out against raising the driving licence limit, as they also see a potential danger in more motorised, untrained skippers. The ministry is countering this criticism with an evaluation after three years: It should then be reviewed, according to the BMVBS "whether there has been an increase in cases of disproportionately high speeds that require restrictive measures for safety reasons and to protect waterways, flora and fauna as well as shoreline areas."
Additional speed limits - a maximum permitted speed of 25 km/h had been discussed - were therefore not introduced as part of the new regulations. It is pointed out that "general speed limits" already apply on most inland waterways anyway.
Whether similar restrictive exceptions will also be made for other bodies of water has not yet been decided and will certainly depend on initial experience. The inner city area ofBerlin for example, is known for its high volume of traffic on the water (primarily excursion boats).
As the Tagesspiegel reports, the water and shipping authority responsible in the capital has not yet made a decision on the matter - perhaps also because the most sensitive section of the Spree is currently closed to vehicles without radio equipment during the day due to construction work.
The GermanRecreational boating schools had already reacted to the new regulations: As their association announced, voluntary "beginners' courses" will also be offered in the training programme with immediate effect, which are intended to teach the most important basic skills in a practical manner. Course participation and acquired skills are confirmed by the award of the "motorboat certificate".
ForJürgen TrachtTracht, Managing Director of the German Water Sports Industry Association (BVWW), which was involved in drafting the new regulations, believes that the new 15 hp limit is a "balanced compromise". He assumes that people will "behave responsibly" despite the increased motorisation - towards themselves and others.
And there are also positive expectations from the skippers: "It was definitely the right decision. I'm looking forward to the accident statistics for 2013. My prediction: the currently loudest critics of this regulation should then fall silent," was another Facebook comment on BOOTE.
Transparency note: In an earlier version we had this information: "However, there is already an important regional restriction: The Rhine is excluded from the new regulation, the 5 hp limit still applies there. The official reason for this is the status of the Rhine as a major waterway to which international agreements apply. However, the safety aspect is also likely to have played a role." This regulation is now outdated.
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Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
