When do you need Boating Licence 1?
Whether you need a boating license depends on the maximum speed and length of the boat. If the boat goes faster than 20 km/h or is longer than 15 meters, you need a boating license. The boating license is also known as a Small Boating License. It is always followed by an I or II. This number refers to the Dutch sailing areas where you may sail with that license. On Alpina.nl we explain when you need a license 1. Don't forget to look into boat insurance. This way you are also properly insured when you go out on the water.
Where can you sail with boating licence 1?
Are you wondering which sailing licence you need? Boating Licence 1 (also called Small Watercraft Licence I) allows you to sail on rivers, canals and lakes. This sailing licence is suitable for (smaller) inland waters. It also allows you to sail on the Gouwzee, which is part of Markermeer. Exceptions are the Westerschelde and Oosterschelde, the IJsselmeer, the Markermeer, the Eems and the Dollard. For these sailing areas you need Sailing Licence 2.
What is the difference between Boating Licence 1 and Boating Licence 2?
The difference between Boating Licence 1 and Boating Licence 2 is the area in which you may sail. With Boating Licence 1 you may sail on rivers, canals and small lakes. With Boating Licence 2 you may also sail on larger waters and coastal waters. These are larger lakes and the sea, such as the Waddenzee, the IJsselmeer, the Markermeer, the IJmeer and the Oosterschelde and Westerschelde. Before you can obtain Boating Licence 2, you must first be in possession of Boating Licence 1. It is also possible to obtain both Boating Licence 1 and 2 at the same time. You cannot skip Sailing Licence 1 in order to obtain Sailing Licence 2 immediately.
Frequently asked questions about Boating Licence 1
How long is Sailing Licence 1 valid?
Once you have obtained a sailing licence, it is valid indefinitely. This is because renewing a sailing licence was abolished on 1 July 2014.
Do I have to be 18 years old to get Boating Licence 1?
If you pass the exam, but are not yet 18 years old, you get a result letter. This letter can then be exchanged for a sailing licence when you are 18 years old.
Can I get both Boating Licence 1 and 2 at the same time?
Yes, you can take both Boating Licence 1 and 2 at the same time. This means you only have to take the exam once. Moreover, it is also more economical, because you often get a discount if you combine 2 courses.
Obtaining a sailing licence 1
Would you like to go out with your boat, but do not yet have a sailing licence? Then you can start by getting a small sailing licence (Klein Vaarbewijs I). To get a sailing licence, you have to pass the KVB1 exam. There are different ways to obtain a sailing licence. For example, you can follow a day course. This means that a teacher gives you an explanation during the day. After that you can take the lessons home and read them again yourself. There are also various online courses and video courses available. So you can choose what you find the most pleasant way. Of course, you can also opt for self-study with exam training if you wish.
Boating licence 1 exam
To obtain your sailing licence, you only need to take a theory exam, not a practical exam. You can apply for this exam on the website of the CBR and take it at a location near you. Do not forget to bring a valid ID to the exam.
There is no minimum age for passing the exam. If you pass the exam but are not yet 18 years old, you will receive a result letter. 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 boating licence is required.
Apply for a sailing licence 1
If you have passed the Small Watercraft Licence I examination, you can apply for the sailing licence via the website of the CBR. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Go to the CBR website and log on to My CBR
- Click on the All Tasks tab or on the button Something else
- Click (under Recreational boating) on Health certificate recreational boating
- Follow all further steps as indicated
- Click (under 'Recreational boating') on ' Apply for a sailing licence
- Click on First boat licence application
- Click onStart
- You choose the pass with the most powers (that you are entitled to)
- Follow all further steps as indicated
As soon as you have paid, CBR will send you your sailing license within two weeks.
What does it cost to get a boat licence 1?
Of course, the costs depend on the way you go about obtaining your Sailing Licence 1. Are you following a day course? Then this often costs about € 150,-. A video course is slightly cheaper, about € 100,-. You should also take the following costs into account:
| Section | Tariffs 2021 |
|---|---|
| Training/course | €100/€150 |
| Theory book | €20 |
| Exam | €44,45 |
| Apply for a sailing licence 1 | €10,60 |
Boating Licence 1 abroad
To sail abroad, you need an ICC. ICC stands for International Certificate of Competence. It is an English translation of the sailing licence. All new sailing licences are automatically issued with an ICC. In English, a sailing licence 1 is an ICC for inland waters. If you have Boating Licence 2, you get an ICC for inland and coastal waters.
Are you going to sail abroad with Boating Licence 1 in your pocket? Then it is important to check which rules apply in which country regarding the sailing licence. Each country has its own rules about when you need which license.
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