Even before the change of government, the Federal Ministry of Transport, which is responsible for the Waterways and Shipping Administration, had adjusted the fees for "individually attributable services".
Klaus Schlösser from the Bremen Sailing School bootsausbildung.com has calculated that the increase for the SBF See is 29 per cent, for the SKS 63 per cent and for the radio licence combination of SRC and LRC as much as 97 per cent. However, this is the first increase in fees for ten years. If you want to know exactly how much the licence exam will cost you, you can find a fee calculator at WWW.DSV.ORG.
A skilful sequence of examinations can also help to save on fees. For example, those who have previously completed the SBF See do not have to take a practical examination for the SBF Binnen under propulsion engine - and thus save a good 40 euros. Holders of the SKS even save around 90 euros on the SBF Binnen under engine and sailing; the licence is also recognised for them without a practical examination, the theoretical examination is sufficient.
The same applies to the theory, which can be omitted in whole or in part for holders of SBF See or SKS, especially the navigation tasks. So if you want to sail both inland and offshore, it is better to start your training with the SBF See.
In the past, theory and practice had to be completed in one day. Since 2018, the two exams can also be taken separately. But beware: if you let more than twelve months pass between the two exams, you will have to take them again - the exam will be cancelled.
Which licence for what?
Some sailing licences are mandatory, others are a useful addition. The overview:
Pleasure craft licence (SBF) inland and sea
Since 2018, there has been a standardised licence in card format that can be valid for inland waterways and sea. It is required for pleasure craft that are motorised with more than 15 hp. The SBF Binnen can be obtained under motor, under sail or with both. In Berlin and Brandenburg, it is sometimes also required for pure sailing boats.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age 16 years
- A medical certificate for recreational boating licence applicants
- Persons aged 18 and over must present a valid driving licence or a certificate of good conduct
Procedure
Written and practical examination. The examinations for recreational boating licences have a modular structure; some parts of the examination from the SBF Binnen are recognised for the SBF See and vice versa.
An overview of the modules can be found at www.sportbootfuehrerscheine.org
Pleasure craft licence (SKS)
The licence is intended to demonstrate the ability to skipper sailing yachts in coastal waters (up to twelve nautical miles from the mainland coast). It is not mandatory for recreational skippers. Only those wishing to operate a commercial pleasure craft in German coastal waters require it. Many charter centres also require the SKS.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age 16 years
- Possession of the SBF See
- Proof of 300 nautical miles on yachts in coastal waters. There is no formal requirement for proof
Procedure
Written examination (questionnaires and navigation task) and practical examination on a sailing yacht.
Sport sailing licence (SSS)
For sailing yachts in coastal waters (up to 30 nautical miles from the mainland coast). The SSS is also a voluntary licence and only required for sailing pleasure craft that are used commercially for training.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age 16 years
- Possession of the SBF-See
- Proof of 1000 nautical miles on yachts in coastal waters after obtaining the SBF-See as watch leader or his representative
Procedure
Written examination in navigation, seamanship, shipping law and meteorology, practical examination on a sailing yacht.
Sport offshore licence (SHS)
For sailing yachts or traditional vessels that are used commercially for training or for cruises on the high seas for worldwide voyages, i.e. beyond the areas covered by the SSS.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age 18 years
- Possession of the recreational boating licence
- Proof of 1,000 nautical miles at sea after obtaining the SSS as a watch leader
Procedure
Written examination in navigation, shipping law, meteorology and astronomical navigation. There is no practical examination at sea.
