How to obtain a motorboat license?

If you want to seriously start your adventure with jet skiing or motorboating, the first step is to look into the required licenses and certifications in this area. Just like with cars, helicopters, and all other means of transportation, motorboats also require special permissions to operate. Therefore, below we present the different levels of certifications and licenses.

Motorboat Certifications

Each certification differs in the permissions granted to a given level. Additionally, they differ in requirements, although in most cases the most important thing is passing the theoretical and practical exam. The following levels should be highlighted, which allow obtaining the title:

motorboat helmsman,
marine motorboat helmsman,
motorboat captain,
motorboat mechanic.

The basic certification is the motorboat helmsman level, which allows operating motorboats on inland waters, as well as motorboats with a hull length of up to 12m on sea waters within 2 nautical miles from the shore, during daylight hours. The only requirement to take the exams is being at least 14 years old. It is worth mentioning that individuals under 16 can operate motorboats with a limited engine power of up to 60kW.

For the marine motorboat helmsman, in addition to exams, it is required to be at least 18 years old and have at least 200 hours of sailing experience on open sea voyages. An additional privilege of this title is operating motor yachts on sea waters with a hull length of up to 18m. Obtaining the motorboat captain level allows operating motor yachts without restrictions, but acquiring it requires extensive experience and practice.

Towing Licenses

Finally, it is worth mentioning towing licenses. The license for towing a skier or other floating objects behind a motorboat can be obtained by passing an exam, provided the person is at least 18 years old and holds a motorboat helmsman certification. Additionally, it is worth noting that there is also a separate license for towing aircraft behind motor yachts, which requires meeting similar conditions.