When do you actually need a boating licence? You might ask yourself, just when you want to rent a boat with your friends. Much more fun to be on the water, of course, than on a busy campsite during corona.
You just want to get on the water as soon as possible. Very understandable! A boating licence is not compulsory for all boats. So let's start with what you do need a boating licence for in the Netherlands.
To find out what kind of boating licence you need in other countries in Europe, we have made a boating licence overview especially for you.
What do you need a boating licence for?
A boating licence is compulsory in boat in Friesland, for example, you can do so without a licence.
What do you not need a boating licence for?
For so-called pleasure craft, you usually do notboating licence in the Netherlands. This category includes just about anything that can travel on water, including canoes, suppers, jet skis, motorboats and sailing boats that cannot go faster than 20 km per hour and are less than 15 metres long (i.e. shorter than fifty feet). However, it is useful for yourself and others to know at least the basic rules on the water to avoid accidents.
With a smaller yacht (< 15 metres) that cannot go faster than 20 km per hour, in principle, you do not need a licence on rivers, canals or lakes. On the larger inland waterways in the Netherlands and for entering seaports, you do need a small sailing licence 2. Regardless of how long or fast your boat is.
Not sure why a boating licence is useful? Then read below what exactly the boating licence consists of. Namely: the Limited Watercraft Licence 1 and 2 and the Large Pleasure Craft Licence.
Minor sailing licence
Limited sailing licence 1
The small sailing licence consists of part 1 and 2, with part 2 being a supplement. The PPC 1 entitles you to sail on most inland waterways and in most cases you will manage fine. Such as on the canals, rivers and lakes in the Netherlands. The small sailing licence 1 covers all boats up to 25 metres long.
Minor sailing licence 2
You can also obtain the small sailing licence 2 in addition to this so that you can sail on the larger waters such as the IJsselmeer or Markermeer, Waddenzee, Wester- or Oosterschelde, Eems and the Dollard. You need this licence because of the necessary knowledge of navigation, course keeping, tides and certain nautical instruments.
We also advise you to first get your small sailing licence 1 before starting on part 2 to avoid making things too difficult for yourself.
This licence also allows you to sail internationally. It comes with an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). This is often required abroad if you want to rent a boat and is equivalent to sailing licence 2.
If you get your licence, it will be valid for the rest of your life. So anyway, a good investment that will give you a lot of freedom and beautiful moments.
Large pleasure sailing licence
You only need a large pleasure sailing licence if you want to sail a ship or sailing yacht of 25 metres or more that is not larger than 40 metres. This allows you to sail on all inland waterways in the Netherlands.
Obtaining a sailing licence
You can get your CBR site. To which you can choose from one of 20 exam locations across the country. Also, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a boating licence. In connection with Covid-19, you must also submit a health declaration. How to do that and more information can be found on CBR's website. (At least if it works, as it is often down).
After you have passed your boating licence with flying colours, we would like to remind you that practical experience is very important. On the water is where you will really learn and why you got your licence in the first place.
If you got your boat licence before 1 July 2014, check here how you can extend it indefinitely.
So, now enjoy the water with your friends or family.