All information about boating license 1 and 2

Boating License

Every boater wants a safe and fun boating experience, however, not everyone is always aware of all the rules and procedures on the water. In this blog, we cover the small boat license 1+2 so you know exactly when a license is required, what waters require which license, and how to get the license.

General information about boating license 1 and 2

The boating licenses we know in the Netherlands in pleasure boating are small boat license 1 and small boat license 2. These licenses are also internationally recognized as the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) inland waters if you have obtained KVB1 and International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for inland and coastal waters if you have obtained KVB2. The small boating license is issued in the Netherlands by the CBR, so you can also use this boating license obtained in the Netherlands outside the Netherlands. Everyone who is 18 years or older and meets the medical requirements of the CBR can obtain the sailing license. The license consists of theory only, so you do not have to take a practical exam yet. The most recent known pass rates from Vamex show that the pass rate for Sailing License 1 is 64.6% and Small Sailing License 2 is 64.8%. However, Sailing License 2 is often perceived as more difficult than Sailing License 1.

Topics KVB1

• Legal provisions relevant to navigation on rivers, canals and lakes.
• Propulsion equipment handling and safety measures.
• The waterways, conditions of navigation and, basic meteorology.
• Sailing and maneuvering and measures to be taken under special circumstances.

Topics KVB2

• Statutory provisions relevant to the safety of navigation on wide waterways on which License II is required.
• Navigation.

When do I need a small boat license?

If you want to drive a vessel between 15 and 25 meters you are licensed. If your boat can go faster than 20 km/h, you must also hold the small boat license. This includes personal watercraft and similar vessels.

Where may I sail with a small boat license?

• The Limited Watercraft License I is valid for sailing on rivers, canals and lakes. With the Limited Watercraft License I it is also allowed to sail on the Gouwzee.
• The Small Vaarbewijs II is valid on "rivers-canals-lakes", Eems/Dollard, the Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer, Markermeer, IJmeer and on the Oosterschelde and Westerschelde.

The figure below shows visually where which small boat license is required

Taking exams for boating license 1 and 2

If you plan to obtain KVB1 and/or KVB2, you must take examinations at the CBR. It is possible to take both certificates at the same time or separately, but KVB2 is only valid once you have successfully completed the KVB1 exam. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions where a total of 80 points can be obtained. To pass, at least 56 of the 80 points must be obtained. You have one hour to complete the exam.

The cost of boating license 1 and 2