Klein Vaarbewijs 1 or 2: what is the difference?
The difference between Klein Vaarbewijs 1 and 2 is the waters they cover. If your boat requires a licence, KVB1 covers rivers, canals, lakes and the Gouwzee. KVB2 also covers the designated larger inland waters, such as the IJsselmeer and Waddenzee. For that, you pass two theory exams. 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.
By VaarlichtUpdated on
How to get your licenceExplore the full KVB1 course- KVB1
- Rivers, canals, lakes and the Gouwzee
- KVB2
- Also the designated larger inland waters
KVB1 and KVB2 side by side
| Topic | KVB1 | KVB2 |
|---|---|---|
| Waters | Rivers, canals, lakes and the Gouwzee | The same area, plus the larger waters |
| Boats | The same boats | The same boats |
| Theory exams | KVB1 | KVB1 and KVB2 |
| Exam fees | €53.15 | €53.15 plus €63.25 |
| International (ICC) | Inland waters | Inland and coastal waters |
First check whether your boat needs a licence
The licence area matters once your boat requires a licence. For pleasure craft, this means a boat shorter than 15 metres capable of more than 20 km/h under engine power, or a boat at least 15 metres long and shorter than 25 metres.
A pleasure boat shorter than 15 metres that cannot exceed 20 km/h under its own engine power does not automatically require a licence just because you sail on the IJsselmeer. You must separately consider the boat's suitability, the weather and local rules.
When do you need a Dutch boating licence?Where can you sail with Vaarbewijs 1?
KVB1 is the small craft licence for rivers, canals and lakes. It also includes the Gouwzee, an important exception among the larger waters around the Markermeer.
A motorboat that requires a licence on a canal needs KVB1. To take the same boat onto the IJsselmeer, you need KVB2.
Which waters does Vaarbewijs 2 add?
KVB2 covers the KVB1 waters and also these designated maritime inland waters:
- Westerschelde and Oosterschelde
- Waddenzee, Eems and Dollard
- IJsselmeer, IJmeer and Markermeer, except the Gouwzee
On the Rhine above the Spijksche Veer, KVB2 is not enough. There you also need a sportpatent.
CBR, which licence do I needWhich exams do you need to pass?
For KVB1, you pass the Klein Vaarbewijs 1 theory exam. For KVB2, you must pass both theory exams: KVB1 and KVB2. KVB1 is therefore also the foundation if you later want the larger sailing area.
The CBR has additional conditions when you apply for the licence. Check them on the CBR website. The course available here prepares you for KVB1; the KVB2 course is not available yet.
Dutch boating exam (KVB1): how does it work?Getting a Dutch boating licence: steps and costsSee what the Klein Vaarbewijs 2 course will coverSee the situation. Understand the rule.
In the Klein Vaarbewijs 1 course, you move your viewpoint around a vessel and see which lights are visible. Then answer questions with explanations.
The first 3 lessons are free, no account needed.
KVB1 complete: €10 once, 12 months of access. The CBR exam is paid separately.
Sources for this guide
Follow the sources for official rules and current conditions. 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.