Learn UBI –
everything about the radio certificate
The VHF radio certificate for inland navigation (UBI) is mandatory for anyone who wants to operate a radio on board. Here you'll find everything about the exam – and how the Boatpass UBI module prepares you optimally.
▶ Start learning UBI in the app
The UBI (VHF radio certificate for inland navigation) permits the operation of VHF radio equipment on inland waterways. The exam consists of a theory part with 22 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes – passed from 17 correct answers – and a practical part with mandatory tasks (ATIS setup, equipment knowledge, and distress, urgency and safety messages). Minimum age: 15. Boatpass trains the complete official question catalog (130 questions) with exam simulation and mistake training.
What is the UBI?
The VHF radio certificate for inland navigation (UBI) is the official or officially recognized authorization to operate and supervise a ship's radio station on inland waterways. The exam is administered by the examination boards of the German Sailing Association (DSV). Minimum age: 15.
The UBI is independent of the SBF Inland – you can obtain it separately. In practice, however, preparing for both together is advisable, since many inland boaters need both certificates.
What you study here – the official source
UBI catalog · VHF inland radio
View on ELWIS ↗The date shows when each official edition came into force – not how old the questions are. Every catalog listed here is authoritative for the 2026 exam year. When a new edition is published, we build it in automatically.
This overview as of:July 2026 · The official publication always prevails – the linked ELWIS pages always show the currently valid edition.
Who needs the UBI?
UBI exam: structure & contents
DSV examination board
Area & operating knowledge
Distress calls & procedures
full exam (DSV)
Exam topics: traffic circuits as well as the priority and types of radio traffic, frequencies and their use, automatic transmitter identification system (ATIS), distress, urgency and safety traffic, plus operation and technology of the radio installation.
Afraid of radio? We'll take that fear away.
The worry about dictation and sending a message almost always comes from a lack of repetition – not from a lack of ability. The messages follow a fixed wording (MAYDAY, PAN PAN, phonetic alphabet). Anyone who has run through the procedure often enough has it down.
You get the final speaking polish on real equipment in the practical exam part at your radio school. The wording and procedures you bring with you confidently via Boatpass.
What does the UBI cost?
The official exam fee is made up of three items. Here's what you pay for what:
Fees as per the DSV. Retake of theory or practice: €45.64. For exams abroad, additional travel costs may apply. These official fees are independent of the Boatpass UBI learning module (one-time €7.99).
How Boatpass helps with the UBI
Learn by category
The UBI question catalog comprises 130 questions across 5 topic areas – practice in a targeted way based on your weak spots.
Source: official question catalog on elwis.de.
Boatpass UBI module
The UBI module for Boatpass is here – with the same learning concept as SBF Inland & Coastal: official question catalog, exam simulation and mistake training. One-time €7.99, no subscription.