Good news first: if you want to drive a boat, you don't have to have a driving licence. Thanks to the liberalisation of driving licence regulations in autumn 2012, you can now drive motorboats up to a maximum of 10.3 kW/15 hp (combustion engine) and 7.5 kW/10.2 hp (electric drive, valid from 2023) without a licence.
Of course, rules must also be followed for this operation. Information for beginners can be found in textbooks and on the internet - like here. A basic distinction is made between sea and inland areas. The sea area covers the entire German coastline and some of the rivers and their tributaries. The licence-free 15 hp regulation applies without restriction in these areas and federal waterways. It does not apply on Lake Constance, where the limit is 4.4 kW (6 hp).
Driving licences
Sport boat licence inland or sea? We recommend taking both at the same time, which often saves you a lot of hassle.
If you have been gripped by a passion for boating and want to drive with more engine power, then there is no way around a driving licence. It goes without saying that a driving licence also makes sense for safety reasons. Before we deal with the question of the "right" driving licence, we need to clarify where you want to drive.
The first step is to establish: What are inland waterways and what are maritime waterways and which regulations apply where?
A look at the map above will help. Depending on the sailing area, there are inland waterway and sea licences. You can, of course, only obtain a licence for the first time, for example for the area right on your doorstep or your favourite holiday destination.
However, practice has shown that it is best to take both certificates at the same time, as it is often not so easy to get yourself together later to study for the second certificate. You also save money, as both exams together are cheaper. The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) has commissioned the German Sailing Association (DSV) and the German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV) to organise the examination. There are examination boards and centres in almost all major cities. Both schools and associations can provide precise information on the current status of the recreational boating licence regulations.
Addresses for driving licences
- ADAC: skipper.adac.de
- German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV): dmyv.de
- German Sailing Association (DSV): dsv.org
- Association of German Sports Boat Schools (VDS): sportbootschulen.de
- Water and Shipping Authorities (WSA) via GDWS: gdws.wsv.bund.de
Schools and associations can provide precise information on the current status of the recreational craft licence regulations.
Where is the best place to get your driving licence?
In theory, you can also teach yourself the course content and then register for the exam. However, we recommend that you prepare yourself at a sports boat school (some of which also offer Online training courses such as the e-learning programme an). Not only is the subject matter explained well using examples, but in most cases a regular lesson period is conducive to learning discipline, and the school also provides the exam boat with the necessary preparation lessons. Specialised books and the corresponding exam sheets or an app can help you prepare for the exam. You can find everything at the following address: deliusklasing.de
Read also:
Examination requirements for the inland and sea recreational craft licence
Inland area of application
Theory (law, seamanship, meteorology, engine; currently 300 questions, 30 of which (seven basic questions and 23 specific questions) must be answered using the multiple-choice method), practice: knots, manoeuvres such as mooring and casting off, stopping, man overboard.
Area of application Lake
Theory (currently 300 questions, 30 of which (seven basic questions, 23 specific questions) are multiple-choice (seven and nine subtasks from a total of 15 navigation tasks), practice: knots, manoeuvres such as mooring and casting off, taking bearings, compass navigation, man overboard.
Prerequisites:
- Minimum age 16 years
- Medical certificate
- Persons aged 18 and over must present a valid driving licence or a certificate of good conduct.
