Basiscertificaat Marifonie (Dutch VHF radio certificate)
Know what to say. And how to say it.
The Basiscertificaat Marifonie is the marine VHF radio certificate for Dutch inland waters. You need it if you use a VHF radio on board. You get it by passing a theory exam at the CBR.
See what the course will coverThis course is not available yet.
When do you need a VHF radio certificate?
- What for
- Using a marine VHF radio on inland waters. Coastal waters need the Marcom-B certificate and the open sea needs the Marcom-A certificate.
- Radio required
- A fixed VHF radio is required on vessels longer than 20 metres.
- Exam
- Theory exam at the CBR: 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, in Dutch only. You pass with 28 points. It costs €86.65.
- Age
- You can take the exam from age 11 and apply for the certificate from age 16.
- Afterwards
- After your result you have 5 years to apply for the certificate. Register your radio with the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure (RDI) before you sail.
- CBR, the Basiscertificaat Marifonie exam
- Dutch government business portal, rules for using a marine VHF radio
- Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure (RDI), registering a VHF radio or applying for a licence
Checked on 6 November 2026
What the course will help you do
We're building a course with visual explanations and exercises you control yourself. Here's what we have planned.
Learn the radio controls
Choose a channel, listen and speak. We're working on a practice radio so you can try the controls yourself.
Build a radio conversation
Who do you call, what do you say and in what order? Practise calls, messages and the phonetic alphabet.
Choose the right message
Learn the difference between routine calls and distress, urgency and safety traffic. Explore situations that make the procedures clear.
A separate skill alongside your boating licence
KVB1 teaches navigation rules and boat handling. Marine VHF is about communication on the water. This separate course will prepare you for the Dutch Basiscertificaat Marifonie.
Read how to get a Dutch boating licenceKVB1 is available now
See how the lessons work. The first 3 lessons are free, with no account needed.
Explore Klein Vaarbewijs 1