Pleasure craft licence: Stricter licence requirements for electric motors
Lasse Johannsen
· 10.01.2023
Towards the end of last year, a number of changes to the Recreational Craft Driving Licence Ordinance came into force quietly and at short notice on 1 January. The corresponding amendment ordinance dates from 1 December, was published in the Federal Law Gazette on 8 December and came into force on 1 January without a transitional period.
The most important change concerns the licence requirement for electric motors. Since 2013, boats with an engine power of up to 15 hp have been licence-free. This no longer applies to electric motors. The new limit of 7.5 KW, which corresponds to around 10 hp, applies here with immediate effect. Owners of such boats without a licence must therefore obtain one by the start of the season or switch to a combustion engine.
The legislator's justification for this step is the higher efficiency of electric motors. The higher torque ensures higher acceleration values than with combustion engines of nominally the same power.
New requirements for the health check
The medical fitness requirements for obtaining a driving licence have also been changed. The medical certificate has been replaced by a certificate of fitness, which has been harmonised with the regulations for commercial shipping. However, there is a transitional period for medical certificates based on the old model until 31 March 2023.
Age limit for auditors raised
The previous age limit for examiners and heads of examination offices has been cancelled. It was previously 72 years old. In future, the extension of the period of activity will instead generally be dependent on proof of fitness.
The other changes concern formalities. For example, in future it will be possible to submit the application electronically via the federal administration portal.
