Do you dream of cruising on lakes or at sea at the helm of your own motorboat? Before you set out on the water, you need to check whether you need a motorboat license. Not every vessel requires a license, but key factors are its technical parameters, such as engine power, hull length, and maximum speed. And if you already have a license but are considering replacing your boat, a good choice might be a daycruiser-type boat, such as the Virtue V10 Top.

Types of licenses for operating different types of boats

In Poland, there are three levels of sailing licenses (Yacht Sailor, Yacht Marine Helmsman, Yacht Captain) and three levels of motorboat licenses (Motorboat Helmsman, Motorboat Marine Helmsman, Motorboat Captain).

Additionally, there are special licenses: License for towing water skiers or other floating objects, and License for towing aircraft.

TYPES OF MOTORBOAT LICENSES

Motorboat Helmsman License – minimum age 14, passed exam; allows operation of motorboats on inland waters, operation of motorboats with hull length up to 12 m on internal marine waters and other marine waters within a zone up to 2 nautical miles from shore, during daytime.

Motorboat Marine Helmsman License – minimum age 18, documented sea experience of at least 200 hours (minimum 2 voyages), passed exam; allows operation of motorboats on inland waters without restrictions, operation of motorboats with hull length up to 18 m on marine waters.

Motorboat Captain License – authorizes operation of motorboats without restrictions, documented sea experience of at least 1,200 hours counted after obtaining the Marine Motorboat Helmsman license (minimum 6 voyages).

Polish sailing licenses are honored in most European Union countries. However, they may pose problems outside Europe, so it’s recommended to hold an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or licenses from organizations such as RYA/ISSA, which work universally.

Age and health requirements

Minors without a license can operate motorboats with engine power up to 10 kW (approx. 13.4 HP), sailing yachts with hull length up to 7.5 m, and tourist barges (houseboats) up to 13 m in length with engines up to 75 kW, if their speed is structurally limited to 15 km/h. It’s important to remember that despite the lack of a license requirement, the operator must have appropriate knowledge and follow regulations.

A motorboat license can be obtained at a young age, but requirements differ depending on the type of license. The motorboat helmsman license can be obtained after turning 14. Although the inland navigation act doesn’t specify detailed health requirements, the candidate should have appropriate physical and mental fitness to safely operate a vessel.

License procedure – exams and training

To obtain a motorboat license, you must complete a theoretical course covering a minimum of 20 hours, including vessel construction, navigation regulations, meteorology, and first aid. The state exam consists of two parts:

• theoretical (30-question test, minimum 80% correct answers required)
• and practical, during which boat maneuvering skills, mooring, and knowledge of water traffic regulations are tested.

The cost of the course and exam for a motorboat license ranges from several hundred zlotys upward, depending on the training center. Weekend courses are more expensive but allow you to obtain the license in 3 days. It’s worth choosing reputable training centers with good reviews to avoid having to retake the exam. After passing both parts of the exam, you receive an official document confirming your authorization to operate a motorboat according to the scope of the chosen license. The licenses are valid indefinitely.

Operating a boat without a license is a violation, like driving without a driver’s license

Penalties for operating a boat without a license

Operating a boat without the required motorboat license is a violation punishable by a fine of 20 to 500 PLN, similar to driving a car without a driver’s license. According to the inland navigation act of December 21, 2001, any person operating a vessel without the appropriate qualification document is subject to a fine, the amount of which depends on the type of violation. Particularly high fines (around 500 PLN) are imposed for towing a water skier or aircraft without the appropriate license, as well as for young helmsmen (ages 14-16) operating boats with engine power exceeding 60 kW.

The most serious consequences await those who cause an accident while operating without a motorboat license – such an incident is treated as a crime. Additionally, operating a yacht under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result not only in a fine and arrest, but in extreme cases also in the loss of the right to operate motor vehicles both on water and land.