Freedom on the water: Everything you need to know about boat licenses

Anyone wishing to obtain a boat license must complete both a theory course and a practical test. The theory sessions can be attended over several weekends or evenings, typically within two to four weeks. Topics covered include navigation, maritime regulations, weather, and safety. For those seeking flexibility, the theory course can also be completed online. The practical portion then takes place at one of over 100 locations in Germany or at a partner school in Mallorca. A minimum age of 16 and a medical certificate are required.

Unlike traditional classroom courses, the online version allows for learning without scheduled appointments or online meetings. Theory is taught through various short video lessons with integrated practice questions. Boat School 1 also offers supplementary courses that, while not required for the exam, expand your knowledge of boating. The app allows you to repeat questions if you're struggling with them. Additionally, most videos include downloadable PDF documents for long-term use. You have a total of four years to complete the recreational boating license.

There are two relevant boat licenses to start with: the SBF Binnen (inland waterways license) and the... The Sport Boat License for Inland Waterways ( SBF See ) allows you to operate recreational boats up to 20 meters in length on inland waterways – without any horsepower restrictions. The Sport Boat License for Coastal Waters (SBF See) allows you to operate recreational boats of any length and power on coastal waterways. Outside the 3-nautical-mile zone (approximately 5.6 km from the coast), no license is required. Incidentally, boats with engines under 15 hp can also be operated without a license.

The prices consist of theory and practical courses as well as examination fees. Costs vary depending on the boating school. Many choose to take the coastal and inland waterway licenses together. This saves them from having to take two separate theory courses and complete exams.

• SBF internally: approx. 400–700 € (online: approx. 500 €)
• SPF See: approx. 500-800 € (Online: approx. 550 €)
• SBF lake + inland: approx. 600–900 € (online: approx. 600 €)

In Germany, for private use – that is, for non-commercial purposes – a recreational boating license is sufficient. While both licenses are for operating motorboats, with few exceptions, they also permit the operation of sailboats. The inland waterway license offers an optional sailing supplement, which is only legally required in a few locations in Germany, such as certain waterways in Berlin or Brandenburg.

Most people only take the sailing exam if they want to improve their sailing skills or rent a sailboat. Many rental companies require proof of sailing experience.

It's different when Sea driving licence: It only exists in a single version, without a separate sailing variant.

Those who wish to learn more or skipper larger boats at sea can voluntarily obtain the Sport Coastal Skipper's Certificate (SKS). It is not legally required, but is often necessary for chartering larger yachts or for commercial use, such as taking paid passengers.

Most participants are beginners; many have never had anything to do with boats before. Experience is therefore not necessary. The recreational boating license is deliberately designed to start from scratch. Everything you need to know is explained clearly in the courses. People interested in the license are often looking for more than just a hobby: it's about freedom, experiencing nature, and a unique way to spend their free time. On the water, you're not bound by roads or markings. You can discover new places you would never reach otherwise.

A boat license doesn't expire! Once you've learned to drive a boat, you don't forget it easily. Nevertheless, as always: practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become.

In practice, many people rent their boats for holidays or weekend trips. In Croatia, for example, you can get a boat for six people for about €200–250 per day. If you share it between four or six people, that's perfectly affordable.

Most people who get their boat license don't own a boat. Some think about buying one eventually, but it's usually not a priority. Boats are like cars: they come in all price ranges. You can get a decent used boat for around €2,000. If you invest about €20,000, you'll generally get a solid boat that won't incur any major additional costs. Anything above that is mostly pure luxury.

The Lake Constance Skipper's License was Germany's first boat license and, due to historical reasons, is still mandatory. Lake Constance has its own set of shipping regulations. These stipulate that a Lake Constance Skipper's License is required to operate a motorboat with more than 4.4 kW (approximately 6 hp) or a sailboat with a sail area exceeding 12 m². However, those who hold a recreational boating license and only wish to explore Lake Constance during their vacation can apply for a holiday license, allowing them to operate a boat on the lake for up to 30 days at a time.

Anyone residing in Germany who obtains a boat license here is permitted to operate a boat worldwide (regardless of citizenship). The infographic shows what needs to be considered in each country:

Bootsschule1 offers boat licenses for inland waterways and coastal waters throughout Germany. Founded in 2022 by Silas Siebdrat together with Daniel Abt and Atalay Gharevi, Bootsschule1 provides a comprehensive and intuitive online learning platform where aspiring boaters can learn for various boat licenses in a structured way and at their own pace.

More information about Boat School 1 can be found at bootsschule1.de