For many (boating enthusiasts), enjoying leisure time and vacations on the water is the epitome of freedom. Bodies of water can be discovered as places for new experiences, natural relaxation, time with friends and family or sporting activities. Getting into boating is quite easy. With a little practice and the right information, nearly anyone can operate a boat safely and enjoy the great feeling of freedom on the water.
Licence: yes or no?
In Germany, boats under 15 meters in length with motorization of up to 15 HP (11.03 KW) may generally be operated without a special licence.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions as well as areas and waters for which a boating licence is mandatory:
International waters, such as Lake Constance, the Rhine or the Danube rivers. They do not flow only through Germany, so different rules apply here.
Lake Constance & Rhine: A licence-free limit of 6 hp applies for Lake Constance and 5 hp for the Rhine.
Certain parts of the Spree-Oder waterway may not be navigated without a licence.
State waters: These regulations are the responsibility of the respective German state.
Children and young people under the age of 16 may operate boats up to 5 hp in the lake area under supervision.
Selection of the boat
From small inflatable boats for leisure trips to cabin cruisers that can also be used for overnight trips - there is a wide range of boats to choose from, even those not requiring a licence. An overview of the most common boat types can be found here.
No sailor's yarn - you should know these rules
This means that nothing stands in the way of boating fun for novices right from the start. There is a wide range of possibilities. However, there are a few important rules you should know before setting off in a motorboat. We have compiled the most important basic rules here.
Need a bit more?
If you want a larger boat or more horsepower, you need a corresponding boating licence. The recreational boating licence (SBF) is the official licence for operating recreational boats from 15 hp (11.03 kW) and under 15 m in length on inland and maritime waterways. A distinction is made here between the inland pleasure craft licence for propulsion type "motors" and the ocean pleasure craft licence. The former allows you to sail on inland waters such as rivers or lakes, while the latter is valid for sailing on coastal waters within the three nautical mile zone. Both licences require a theoretical and practical examination - so good preparation pays off.
Please note: Special regulations apply again for the Rhine and Lake Constance. For example, a recreational boating licence is required for trips on the Rhine from a motorboat power of 5 hp. If you want to explore Lake Constance in your own motorboat, you need a category A Lake Constance skipper's licence (from 6 hp). The easiest way to find out in advance is to contact the federation of German watersports schools (VDS) or a local training centre. The VDS website provides a good overview of the various recreational boating licences.
