Training programmes and personal certificates

You must hold a certificate for operators of personal watercraft when operating personal watercraft or using jet skis.

Personal watercraft certificate

If you want to sail a power boat, you need to take a power boat exam. The exam includes a practical test proving your skills in handling a power boat and your knowledge about the rules of the road and bouys.

Power boat certificate

The competency exam for recreational sailors is used by many yachtsmen as an opportunity to train and  obtain better qualifications in sailing. 

Certificate of Competency for recreational sailors 

If you are sailing a recreational vessel over 15 meters in length, you need to complete a Yacht Master training programme.

Certificate as Yacht Master

The certificate of proficiency in motor operation for recreational sailing is required for sailing recreational vessels above 15 meters in length with a propulsion machinery of more than 100 kW, but less than 750 kW.

Certificate of proficiency in motor operation for recreational sailors

An SRC certificate is used primarily at recreational sailing and is required for operating maritime radio equipment.

SRC certificate

A canal certificate is required for sailing on European rivers and canals.

Canal certificate

Here you can read more about how to obtain a new certificate, if you have lost your original certificate.

Issue of certificates

This graphic will help you to find out, which training programme that leads to obtaining a certificate for recreational sailing.

Graphic showing training programmes for recreational sailing

Find out which exams leads to the issuance of a certificate.

Requirements for issuance of certificates