Sportbootführerschein Binnen (SBF Binnen)

A German boating licence required for operating recreational motorboats and sailing vessels on inland waterways. 

The Sportbootführerschein Binnen (SBF Binnen) is a mandatory licence in Germany for those operating recreational boats with an engine of 15 horsepower (11.03 kW) or more on inland waterways, including rivers, lakes, and canals. The licence is available for both motorboats and sailing vessels, with a separate sailing endorsement required for sailboats over a certain size. The examination consists of a theoretical test covering navigation rules, buoyage systems, right of way, and safety procedures, as well as a practical test assessing manoeuvring, docking, and emergency procedures. The SBF Binnen is issued by the German authorities and is recognised within Germany and in some other European countries. It is distinct from the Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See), which is required for coastal and offshore waters. Holding this licence ensures that boaters have the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate safely and in compliance with regulations on inland waters.