For anyone who got their boating licence before 1 July 2014, it is important that you check whether there is also an expiry date on the pass. In principle, you can continue to sail with an expired boat licence in the Netherlands. If you want to rent a boat in Croatia or one of our other destinations abroad, it is smart to exchange it for a new one. For a small fee of ten euros, you can then have your old sailing licence converted to the new version. With this pass, you can hire a yacht or boat almost anywhere in the world. Since these new sailing licences now include an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). Which boating licence you need per country can be found in this article.
How to exchange?
Since 2014, a boating licence is valid indefinitely and therefore no longer needs to be renewed every five years. We therefore recommend that everyone, if you have not already done so, to exchange your licence to a new model. That way, your boating licence will be valid indefinitely and you won't face any surprises. Read our item on how to old licence.
No sailing licence
If you don't have a boating licence yet, get it soon! Read here when you need a boating licence.
Since 1 January 2020, CBR has been taking recreational boating exams. At the moment, there is no practical exam yet, but once it comes, you can count on it getting a lot more expensive. We can divide it into the Small Boating Licence I and II and the Large Pleasure Boating Licence. The CBR has taken over this task from VAMEX. No need to worry, the exams conducted by the CBR are similar in content to the VAMEX exams. The examination fees are also almost the same.
You can contact CBR to book the recreational boating exams at one of 20 locations across the country.
How do you apply for a loose ICC?
The quickest way to apply for a separate ICC is via My CBR. After logging in, follow these steps:
- Click on the tab All tasks or on debutton Something else
- Click (under Recreational Boating) on Exemption from recreational boating examination
- Click on Start
- Click on Full Exemption - ICC Coastal Waters
- You will follow all further steps as indicated
- After your exemption has been granted, submit your recreational boating health declaration. All information on the health declaration can be found here.
- You can apply for your ICC pass via MyCBR (under Recreational Boating) via Apply for boat licence
- Click on Apply for first sailing licence
- Click on Start
- Click on ICC Coastal Waters
- You follow all further steps as indicated
Only if you live abroad or do not have DigiD for other reasons, you can apply for a separate ICC via the application form on the site (Full and partial exemption boating licence). Send the form and a copy of the exemption certificate to the CBR. Once CBR has received your application, you will receive a letter requesting payment. Once payment is received, your application will be assessed.