Boating License · Inland & Coastal

The SBF exam –
how it works

Theory and practice explained step by step: structure, questions, maneuvers and passing thresholds for SBF Inland and SBF Coastal. So you know exactly what to expect on exam day.

▶ Prepare for the theory
This page describes the process of the boating license exam – for SBF Inland and SBF Coastal. The radio certificates have their own exam process – you'll find the structure and contents on the pages for UBI, SRC and LRC.

Theory and practice – two exam parts

The boating license exam consists of two separate parts: a theory exam (multiple-choice paper) and a practical exam on the water. You have to pass both to receive the license. The exam is administered by a recognized examination board (e.g. DMYV).

A preparation course is not required – you can learn the theory independently with the official question catalog.

1. The theory exam

In the theory you answer a question paper from the official ELWIS catalog. The structure differs depending on the license:

SBF Inland
30 questions · 45 minutes
7 basic questions (at least 5 correct)
23 specific questions (at least 18 correct)
SBF Coastal
39 questions · 60 minutes
30 standard questions like Inland
+ 9 navigation task questions (at least 7 correct)

2. The practical exam

In the practical part you show on the water that you can handle a boat safely. Typically tested are:

Coming alongside and casting off, turning, stopping and the important man-overboard maneuver.
Applying the exam-relevant knots confidently and quickly (e.g. bowline, clove hitch, securing a cleat).
Correct behavior on board, give-way rules and safe steering in the area.

For the practical part, at least one day of practice on the water is recommended. The exact requirements can vary slightly depending on the examination board.

Requirements & registration

Minimum age
16 years (SBF Inland)
Registration
with the examination board (DMYV)
Course requirement
none – self-study possible

For a step-by-step walkthrough of registering with the DSV and DMYV, see our SBF exam registration guide.

Frequently asked questions about the exam process

How does the SBF exam work?

The SBF exam consists of a theory part and a practical part. In the theory you answer a multiple-choice paper (SBF Inland: 30 questions in 45 minutes; SBF Coastal: 39 questions incl. navigation task in 60 minutes). In the practical part you demonstrate maneuvers on the water such as coming alongside and casting off, turning and man-overboard, as well as the most important knots.

Do I have to do theory and practice on the same day?

That depends on the exam center. Theory and practice often take place on the same date, but they are separate exam parts. Both have to be passed in order to receive the license.

What happens if I fail?

You can retake the part you didn't pass. Exam fees apply again. With targeted preparation – exam simulation and mistake training – most candidates pass on the first attempt, however.

What requirements do I need for the SBF exam?

For the SBF Inland the minimum age is 16. You register with the responsible examination board (e.g. DMYV). A preparation course is not required – you can prepare entirely on your own.

Further reading

→ Practice SBF Inland exam questions → Practice SBF Coastal exam questions → What does the boating license cost? → Man-overboard maneuver: how to nail it in the practical exam → Sound signals for the SBF: coastal & inland overview → First aid on board: the essential measures on the water → Failed the SBF Inland exam? What to do next → Frequently asked questions about the boating license

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