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Which boating licence
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Answer 3 short questions about your waters, engine power and radio – and find out in 30 seconds which licence and radio certificate you really need.
Decision guide at a glance
Which boating licence and radio certificate for which plan – the most important cases as an overview.
* In Germany the licence requirement applies from more than 15 hp (11.03 kW) – for electric drives already from 7.5 kW (around 10 hp). A reform aims to unify this limit technology-neutrally at 11.03 kW, but has not yet come into force. Different rules apply on individual waters (Rhine, Lake Constance).
Frequently asked questions
Which boating licence do I need for a motorboat over 15 hp?
For a motorboat with more than 15 hp (11.03 kW) you need the SBF Inland on inland waters and the SBF Coastal on the coast (North and Baltic Sea). Anyone who wants to navigate both areas takes both licences – most affordably in a combined exam.
Do I need a licence for a boat under 15 hp?
No. For recreational boats with a combustion engine up to 15 hp (11.03 kW) no official recreational boating licence is required in Germany. For electric drives the limit is lower – the requirement already applies from 7.5 kW (around 10 hp). Exceptions also apply on some waters such as the Rhine and Lake Constance. For rentals, charter companies often still require proof (e.g. a charter certificate).
Which radio certificate do I need for my boat?
As soon as you operate a voice radio, you need the matching certificate: UBI for inland radio (rivers, canals), SRC (Short Range Certificate) for VHF marine radio in coastal areas and LRC (Long Range Certificate) for worldwide marine radio including MF/HF and satellite.
Which licence applies on Lake Constance?
On Lake Constance the Bodenseeschifferpatent applies. It is mandatory for motorboats from 6 hp and for sailing boats from 12 m² of sail area – the rules therefore differ from the rest of the inland area.