The regulations always apply to you as a user no matter whether you own or hire the power boat. The power boat certificate ensures that the operator of the boat has basic knowledge about navigation and the functioning of the vessel.
The person, who, at any time, operates the power boat, "hands on the steering gear", must hold the power boat certificate.
Be aware that all personal watercrafts and power boats etc. must be covered by a mandatory liability insurance.
Read more about this requirement and other important information about operating a personal watercraft.
How do I obtain a power boat certificate?
You can for example attend training in sailing clubs or through the adult education associations AOF, LOF and FOF. Contact a course provider in your local area and register for the training offered.
You acquire the power boat certificate by completing an exam. At the exam you are inter alia required to demonstrate knowledge about the regulations for preventing collisions at sea, the general use of knots and bends, safety equipment and life-saving appliances. All of which is useful knowledge when you are to sail a power boat safely and attend to safety in an optimum manner.
Persons attending a power boat exam must be 15 years or older. You can only sail the power boat legally when you are 16 years or older.
Signing up for the power boat exam
Power boat exams are arranged by approved providers. Therefore, recreational sailors must contact a local provider to register for a power boat exam.
Sailing clubs, schools and the like can arrange exams through approved providers.
A list of approved providers is available here.
Questions about power boat certificate and education and training should be directed to the approved providers.
Issue of power boat certificate
Approved providers issue power boat certificates once the power boat exam has been passed.
Are you in doubt about which approved provider arranged the exam and thus who can issue your certificate?
You can see this on our self-service for Seafarers and the My Maritime app, on the page "Certificates, under "Yachtsman Exams and Certificates".
Lost certificate
If you have lost your power boat certificate, you can request a new one from the approved provider, who issued the original certificate.
If your certificate has been issued by the Danish Maritime Authority, you can request a re-issue of your certificate for yachtsmen here.
Are you in doubt whether you need a power boat certificate?
If your boat is under 4 metres and planing, and has en engine effect og 19kW / 25 HP or more, you need a power boat certificate.
If your boat is between 4 and 15 metres and planing, the engine effect decides wheter you need a power boat certificate. Use the calculator below.
Enter boat length and engine power to find out if the boat requires a power boat certificate. Remember to choose whether the units are feet / meters or HK / kW.