Dutch boating licences explained
Dutch boating licence: what it is, which to get
A Dutch boating licence is a card issued by the CBR. You need it to steer a boat for which a licence is legally required. A small craft licence is required for a pleasure boat shorter than 15 metres that can exceed 20 km/h, and for a pleasure boat from 15 metres up to 25 metres. You get it by passing a theory exam at the CBR. The card is issued from age 18.
By VaarlichtUpdated on
When do you need a boating licence?
It depends on your boat, not on how fast you are going at that moment. If your boat is shorter than 15 metres and cannot exceed 20 km/h, you do not need a licence. A jet ski that can go faster does.
Read when you need a licenceHow do you get a boating licence?
In short: work out which licence you need, study, pass the theory exam at the CBR, complete the health declaration and apply for the card. You do not need on-the-water lessons for this.
Read all the stepsHow much does a boating licence cost?
For Klein Vaarbewijs 1 you pay €79.10 to the CBR if you take the exam once. Your preparation comes on top of that.
See the costs per stepWhich licences and certificates are there?
- Klein Vaarbewijs 1 (KVB1)
For rivers, canals, lakes and the Gouwzee. You can take this course now.
- Klein Vaarbewijs 2 (KVB2)
Also for the larger waters, such as the IJsselmeer and Waddenzee. This course is not available yet.
- Basiscertificaat Marifonie
For using a marine VHF radio on inland waters. This course is not available yet.
From 25 metres, a small craft licence is not enough. Check with the CBR which licence your vessel needs.
All our boating licence guides
Getting a Dutch boating licence: steps and costs
Get a Dutch boating licence in 5 steps: choose your licence, study, pass the CBR exam, complete the health declaration and apply. CBR fees for KVB1: €79.10.
Read the guideWhen do you need a Dutch boating licence?
Do you need a Dutch boating licence for your boat or jet ski? Check length and speed limits, practical examples and when to choose KVB1 or KVB2.
Read the guideKlein Vaarbewijs 1 or 2: what is the difference?
Do you need Klein Vaarbewijs 1 or 2? Compare the waters, exams and fees of KVB1 and KVB2, including the Gouwzee exception.
Read the guideDutch boating exam (KVB1): how does it work?
The Dutch Klein Vaarbewijs 1 (KVB1) exam: 40 questions in 60 minutes. Check CBR fees, pass marks and interpreter options.
Read the guideHow to tell port from starboard
Which side is port and which is starboard? See the boat from above, learn the red and green sidelights and see what changes when a boat comes towards you.
Read the guide
Vaarlicht is an online course from Kurverscode for the Dutch boating licence, in Dutch and English. Vaarlicht is independent of the CBR and does not issue boating licences.