Overview: Guidebook
Inland sport boating pilot's licence
Official license to drive recreational boats under 15 meters in length, mandatory for vessels under engine with more than 11.03 kW (15 hp).
Maritime sport boating pilot's licence
Official driver's license for driving motorized pleasure craft on the maritime waterways (3 nm). Prescribed for vessels under engine with more than 11.03 kW (15 hp).
Coastal sport shipping licence
Official, recommended license for driving yachts with motor and under sail in coastal waters (all seas up to 12 nm distance from the mainland coast).
Maritime sport shipping licence
Official, recommended driving license for driving yachts with motor and under sail in coastal sea waters. This license is required for driving recreational boats used commercially for training.
High seas sport shipping licence
Official, recommended license for sailing yachts with engine and under sail in worldwide voyages (all seas). Prescribed for the navigation of commercially used pleasure boats in worldwide voyages.
Anchoring made easy - the anchor drops
Swaying - The different behavior of yachts under wind pressure or the current flow must also be taken into account. While heavy boats with longer keels usually lay into the wind at anchor and hardly move, light short keelers move back and forth. If one lies too close, a collision can result.
Anchoring made easy - the Anchor Guard
If the anchorage becomes unsettled due to the development of a swell caused by an approaching strong wind, you have the choice of either leaving or going on guard to check the anchor regularly. With good ground tackle and a safe anchorage, you will usually choose the latter.
Anchoring made easy - the trip line
Often the anchor gets stuck under rocks and stones or in old ropes or nets. In shallow water, a crew member often goes into the water and frees the anchor; if it is too deep, you often have to cut the anchor line.
The BVWW informs about boat purchase
Take your time when buying a boat and take the advice offered by the companies that are members of the federal association water sports industry (BVWW).
Buy a used boat
A well maintained and equipped used boat is definitely an alternative to a new boat.