Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See)

A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels with an engine of more than 15 horsepower in coastal waters. 

The Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See) is the official German boating licence for navigating coastal and offshore waters beyond inland waterways. It is mandatory for operating recreational boats with an engine exceeding 15 horsepower (11.03 kW) in maritime areas such as the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and other coastal regions. The licence is issued by the German authorities and requires passing both a theoretical and a practical examination. The theoretical part covers topics such as navigation, seamanship, maritime law, and weather patterns, while the practical test assesses boat handling skills, including manoeuvring, docking, and emergency procedures. The SBF See is internationally recognised and serves as a prerequisite for obtaining higher-level German boating certifications, such as the Sportküstenschifferschein (SKS) for coastal sailing. While it is primarily required for German-flagged vessels, many charter companies in Germany and abroad also require it as proof of competency.