How old do you have to be to get a boating licence?
Boating is fun for all ages. More and more people are experiencing how nice it is to take a boat out on the water and enjoy the tranquility and nature. There is a sense of freedom on the water. However, boating is not something you can just do, especially with a large boat or in a crowded boating area. You must have knowledge of the laws and regulations on the water, special skills for sailing a boat and know what to do if you encounter other boats. After all, it is becoming increasingly crowded on the water in the Netherlands. Many children or young people would like to experience for themselves what it is like to drive a boat, but how old do you actually have to be for a boating license? You can read it on Alpina.nl.
How old do you have to be to take a boat driving licence exam?
There is no minimum age for taking the Limited Watercraft Licence examination. Therefore, you do not have to be 18 years old. You can also take the sailing licence exam when you are 12 years old. However, you do not receive your sailing licence until you are 18, and from that moment on you may only drive a boat for which a sailing licence is required. If you pass the Limited Watercraft Licence exam before the age of 18, you will receive a result letter. This does not yet entitle you to drive a boat, as the result letter is not yet the actual sailing licence. You can exchange this letter for a sailing licence when you turn 18. Until then, you may not drive a boat or sail in an area where a sailing licence is required.
How old do you have to be to sail?
Before the age of 18, you are not allowed to drive a boat for which you need a licence or sail in an area where a licence is required. Whether you can sail a boat without a licence depends on the length and maximum speed of the boat. Your age also plays a role.
| Minimum age | Vessel | Sailing licence needed |
|---|---|---|
| No | Sailing and rowing boats shorter than 7 metres | No |
| 12 years | Open motorboat, less than 7 metres, max. 13 km/h | No |
| 16 years old | Motor boat, large ship and sailing boat longer than 7 metres, max. 20 km/h | No |
| 18 years old | All boats longer than 15 metres | Yes |
| 18 years old | Fast motorboat | Yes |
Why get your boating licence before you turn 18?
You may think: why should I get my licence now if I am not allowed to sail afterwards? If you want to get your sailing licence, it is often advisable to take the exam now. This has a number of advantages. Firstly, you do not have to take a practical exam yet. If this changes in the future, it will not matter to you. A sailing licence is valid for life and does not need to be renewed. The theory exam is also becoming more comprehensive, which means the questions are also becoming more difficult. If you get your sailing licence now, you will not have to worry about this any more.
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