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Germany Boat Licence Practice Test (SBF See) 2026

Germany's official recreational boat licence (Sportbootführerschein) has two scopes: inland waterways (Binnen) and sea waterways (See). This practice is for the SBF See theory exam, which uses 7 basic questions shared with the inland licence and 23 sea-specific questions, plus a written chart navigation task. The questions here are original and cover the same topics: the licence system, SeeSchStrO and collision rules, buoyage, lights, sound signals and safety.

  • Boating
  • Germany
  • 70 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

The Sportbootführerschein theory exam (sea waterways, SBF See) has 30 questions. Pass mark: At least 5 of 7 basic and 18 of 23 sea-specific multiple-choice questions, plus at least 7 of 9 on the navigation task. Each part is marked separately. Time limit: 60 minutes. It is run by Deutscher Motoryachtverband (DMYV) and Deutscher Segler-Verband (DSV), commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. Minimum age: 16 (the SBF See covers boats with an engine; the minimum age of 14 applies only to the inland sailing licence, SBF Binnen unter Segel). Practise here for free with 70 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Sportbootführerschein See Study Guide (Germany): plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Above what engine power do you need a Sportbootführerschein for a boat with a combustion engine on German federal waterways?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. More than 11.03 kW (15 PS)

    A licence is required for combustion engines over 11.03 kW (15 PS).

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Up to what continuous power may an electric-motor boat be driven without a licence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 7.5 kW

    Electric drives up to 7.5 kW continuous power (S1) need no licence; above that you need the Sportbootführerschein.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    What are the two scopes (Geltungsbereiche) of the German Sportbootführerschein?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Inland waterways (Binnen) and sea waterways (See)

    The licence is issued for Binnenschifffahrtsstraßen (inland) and/or Seeschifffahrtsstraßen (sea).

  4. Question 4 of 25

    The inland Sportbootführerschein (Binnen) covers boats up to what length?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Under 20 metres

    On inland waterways the licence covers boats under 20 m; 20 to 25 m needs the Sportschifferzeugnis.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Who runs the Sportbootführerschein exams on behalf of the federal transport ministry?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV) and the German Sailing Association (DSV)

    DMYV and DSV are commissioned to admit candidates, hold the exams and issue the licences.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a Sportbootführerschein for a boat with an engine?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 16

    § 6 SpFV sets 16 for motorboats and 14 for sailing boats.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    What is the minimum age for a licence to sail a sailing boat where one is required?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 14

    § 6 SpFV sets the minimum age at 14 for boats under sail.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    An applicant is 17. What extra document do they need?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Written or electronic consent from a parent or legal guardian

    Applicants under 18 need their legal guardian's consent (§ 6 SpFV).

  9. Question 9 of 25

    Which medical proof is needed for the Sportbootführerschein?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A doctor's certificate of fitness, which may include an eyesight and hearing check

    You must be physically and mentally fit, shown by a medical certificate. Poor colour vision cannot be offset by conditions.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    How many multiple-choice questions are in the SBF See theory exam, not counting the navigation task?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 30: 7 basic questions and 23 sea-specific questions

    The scoring key gives 7 basic (Basis) and 23 specific (See) questions, plus a navigation task with 9 questions.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    What do you need to pass the multiple-choice part of the SBF See exam?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At least 5 of 7 basic questions and at least 18 of 23 specific questions

    Basic and specific parts are marked separately, so you must reach both pass marks.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    How is the navigation task in the SBF See exam marked?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 9 written questions, and you need at least 7 correct

    The navigation task has 9 written questions worth 1 point each; 7 points are needed.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    How much time do you get for the full SBF See theory exam?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 60 minutes

    The scoring key allows 60 minutes for the 30 multiple-choice questions plus the navigation task.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    How many basic and sea-specific questions are in the official SBF See catalogue (August 2023)?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 72 basic and 213 sea-specific questions

    The public catalogue has 72 basic questions, 213 specific See questions and 15 navigation tasks.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    Within what time must you pass all parts of the Sportbootführerschein exam?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Within one year of the first part

    § 8 SpFV: all parts must be passed within one year, counted from the first part exam.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    You fail the theory part. Can you retake it the same day?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. No, a failed part cannot be repeated on the same day

    § 8 SpFV says a failed part cannot be retaken on the same day.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Where the SeeSchStrO and the international collision rules (KVR) differ, which applies on German sea waterways?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The SeeSchStrO

    The Seeschifffahrtsstraßen-Ordnung takes precedence over the KVR on German sea waterways.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    What is the blood alcohol limit for the skipper of a sport boat on German sea waterways?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Below 0.5 per mille (0.25 mg/l in breath)

    § 3 SeeSchStrO forbids steering a vessel with 0.5 ‰ or more in the blood or 0.25 mg/l or more in the breath.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    Who is responsible for following the traffic rules on board a sport boat?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The skipper (Fahrzeugführer) or their deputy

    The person in charge of the vessel answers for following the rules, so the skipper must be clear before leaving.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Before setting off, what must the skipper tell crew and guests?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Where the safety equipment is, how to use it and how to avoid falling overboard

    The skipper must brief everyone on board about rescue and firefighting equipment and on preventing falls overboard.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    In a fairway (Fahrwasser), on which side should you keep?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. As far to starboard (right) as is safe

    Vessels in a fairway keep as far to the starboard side as possible, unless a published exception applies.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    Which side of a fairway is the 'starboard side' under the SeeSchStrO?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The side on your right when you come in from the sea

    The starboard side of a fairway is defined as seen from a vessel entering from seaward.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    You want to cross a fairway in your motorboat. A ship is following the fairway. Who has priority?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The ship following the fairway

    § 25 SeeSchStrO gives vessels following the fairway priority over those crossing, entering, turning or leaving a berth.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    On which side do you normally overtake in a fairway?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. On the port (left) side

    § 23 SeeSchStrO: overtaking is normally on the port side; starboard only when circumstances require it.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Two boats meet head-on in a fairway. What do they do?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Each keeps to starboard so they pass port to port

    § 24 SeeSchStrO: vessels meeting on opposite courses in a fairway each keep to starboard.

What to know before the test

  • You need the licence on federal waterways for a boat with a combustion engine over 11.03 kW (15 PS) or an electric motor over 7.5 kW.
  • The minimum age is 16 for a motorboat and 14 for a sailing boat. Under-18s need a guardian's consent and everyone needs a medical certificate.
  • SBF See theory: 7 basic questions (pass 5) and 23 sea-specific questions (pass 18), each with 4 options, plus a navigation task of 9 questions (pass 7), in 60 minutes.
  • If you already hold the inland motor licence, the SBF See theory exam drops the basic questions: 23 specific questions plus the navigation task in 50 minutes.
  • The full official question catalogue is public: 72 basic questions, 213 sea-specific questions and 15 navigation tasks (version of August 2023).
  • All parts of the exam, theory and practical, must be passed within one year of the first part.

Frequently asked questions

Should I take the SBF See or the SBF Binnen?

It depends where you will drive. SBF See covers the coastal sea waterways; SBF Binnen covers inland waterways such as rivers, canals and many lakes. Both theory exams share the same 7 basic questions. This practice test focuses on See plus those basics.

What is the pass mark for the Sportbootführerschein See theory exam?

You need at least 5 of 7 basic questions, 18 of 23 sea-specific questions and 7 of 9 navigation task questions. Missing any one part means you fail, even with a high total.

How long is the SBF See theory exam?

60 minutes for the 30 multiple-choice questions and the navigation task. Our timed mock has only the multiple-choice part, so it has no time limit.

Do I need a licence for a small motorboat in Germany?

Not on federal waterways if the combustion engine is 11.03 kW (15 PS) or less, or an electric motor is 7.5 kW or less. Local rules on some lakes can differ.

Is there a practical exam too?

Yes. The licence normally has a theory part and a practical part on the water, set out in the SpFV. Both must be passed within one year.

Sources

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