When do you need a Dutch boating licence?
For a pleasure boat on Dutch inland waters, you need a small craft licence if it is shorter than 15 metres and can exceed 20 km/h under its own engine power. It is also required for a pleasure boat from 15 metres up to, but not including, 25 metres, regardless of speed. From 25 metres, a small craft licence is no longer enough.
By VaarlichtUpdated on
How to get your licenceExplore the full KVB1 courseMotorboat shorter than 15 metres
A licence is required if it can exceed
20km/h
The boat's possible top speed counts
For a motorboat shorter than 15 metres, the rule concerns what the boat can do. Driving slowly in a boat capable of more than 20 km/h does not remove the licence requirement. Speed is measured relative to the water.
Exactly 20 km/h is not more than 20 km/h. A pleasure boat shorter than 15 metres whose engine-powered top speed is no higher than that does not trigger this speed rule.
- An 8-metre motorboat capable of 30 km/h: a small craft licence is required, even when you travel at 10 km/h.
- An 8-metre pleasure boat with a top speed of 12 km/h: these length and speed rules do not require a small craft licence.
- A 7-metre sloop with a top speed of 15 km/h: no small craft licence required. If a stronger engine lets the same sloop reach 25 km/h, it is required.
From 15 metres, length also decides
A pleasure boat at least 15 metres long and shorter than 25 metres requires a small craft licence. This also applies to a slow boat or a sailing boat of that length. A 16-metre pleasure yacht capable of 12 km/h therefore requires a licence.
Length means the greatest hull length, excluding the rudder and bowsprit. A boat exactly 15 metres long falls under the requirement. From 25 metres, a small craft licence is insufficient; check with the CBR which qualification the vessel requires.
Do you need a licence for a jet ski or personal watercraft?
A jet ski, personal watercraft or e-foil capable of more than 20 km/h also requires a licence. A short trip or a rental does not change the craft's characteristics.
A boating licence does not give permission to travel fast everywhere. Before setting out, check local navigation rules and designated high-speed areas.
Do you need Vaarbewijs 1 or 2?
If your boat requires a licence, the waters decide which small craft licence you need. KVB1 covers rivers, canals, lakes and the Gouwzee. KVB2 is required for waters including the IJsselmeer and Waddenzee.
You can obtain a small craft licence from age 18. This guide concerns pleasure craft; commercial operations and special vessels have other categories.
Klein Vaarbewijs 1 or 2: what is the difference?Your boat needs a licence: what next?
You get a small craft licence by passing a theory exam at the CBR. Then you complete the health declaration and apply for the card. So you do not need on-the-water lessons to take the exam.
Getting a Dutch boating licence: steps and costsSee 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.