Overview
The Sportbootführerschein (SBF) is the official German licence for recreational boats. There are two scopes: Binnen for inland waterways and See for sea waterways. The regulation applies to sport boats under 20 metres on inland waterways and to sport boats of any length on sea waterways. The exams are run by exam committees set up by the two appointed associations, the Deutscher Motoryachtverband (DMYV) and the Deutscher Segler-Verband (DSV). The number of questions, the time allowed and the pass thresholds are not stated in the sources used here, so ask the exam committee.
Who can apply
Minimum age is 16 for a sport boat with an engine and 14 for a sport boat under sail. Applicants under 18 need the written or electronic consent of a legal representative.
Applicants must be medically fit. The regulation sets a vision standard of at least 0.8 and a hearing check, and a doctor confirms fitness.
Boats with an engine of up to 11.03 kW (15 hp) do not need a licence on inland and sea waterways, according to the DMYV. Above that power you need the licence for the relevant waters.
Exam pattern
Each licence has a theory exam and a practical exam.
Theory
The theory exam is multiple choice with four answers per question, only one of them correct, and one point per correct answer. It has basic questions plus specific questions for either inland or sea waters. The basic questions cover traffic law, ship handling, environmental law, ship technology and weather, with extra rules for motor and sail. Sea candidates also complete a navigation task on a chart, using only a navigation triangle, berthing triangle, double ruler, Portland plotter and dividers. The exam is written. Oral testing is allowed only for documented dyslexia or insufficient German and must be requested with the application. Reference books, phones, smartwatches and calculators are not allowed.
Practical
You perform manoeuvres for your type of propulsion. Each manoeuvre has two attempts. Candidates also tie knots: seven are chosen from nine and six must be done and explained correctly.
Syllabus
Official question catalogues (Fragenkatalog) for Binnen and See are published on ELWIS. The See catalogue valid from August 2023 has 300 questions: 72 basic questions, 213 specific sea questions and 15 navigation tasks.
Marking and results
All exam parts must be passed within one year of the first attempt. A failed part cannot be retaken on the same day. An attempt to cheat counts as a failed exam, including parts already passed.
How to apply
Register directly with an exam committee, or through a recognised training school (Ausbildungsstätte). Application forms are on the DMYV downloads page.
What is the difference between SBF Binnen and SBF See?
Binnen covers inland waterways and See covers sea waterways. Each has its own question catalogue and exam.
What is the minimum age?
16 for a boat with an engine and 14 for a sailing boat, according to the regulation.