Obtaining a Small Licence for a fast motorboat or a pleasure craft
Do you want to sail a small vessel on Dutch waters? A Klein Vaarbewijs I (Small Boat License I) allows you to do that on rivers, canals and smaller lakes. With a Klein Vaarbewijs II (Small Boat License II) you can sail on larger Dutch waters. Such as the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea. Conditions apply.
Last updated on 3 June 2025
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Small Boat Licence for a fast motorboat or a pleasure craft
A Small Boat Licence is required for:
- fast motorboats that are under 20 metres long and can reach speeds over 20 km/hour. This also includes water scooters and jet skis.
- pleasure crafts between 15 metres and 25 metres long.
With a Small Boat Licence I, you can sail on rivers, canals and lakes. With a Small Boat Licence II, you can also sail on larger Dutch waters. For example, the Wadden Sea, the IJsselmeer and the Oosterschelde.
Conditions for a Small Licence
Conditions apply for a Small Boat Licence. For example, you must have a valid health certificate for recreational navigation and have passed the Small Boat Licence examination. The examination includes questions among others about water rules, safety and navigation.
For the Small Boat Licence II, you must also pass the Small Boat Licence II examination.
Check the CBR (Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing) website for:
- all conditions for the Small Boat Licence I (in Dutch);
- all conditions for the Small Boat Licence II (in Dutch).
Applying for a Small Boat Licence
You can apply to the CBR for a Small Boat Licence. Read more about the:
- application for a Small Boat Licence I (in Dutch);
- application for a Small Boat Licence II (in Dutch).
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Binnenvaartwet, artikel 25, 26 en 27
Binnenvaartbesluit, artikel 16