Short answer
- Smaller recreational boat: you don't need a licence, but it's good to have one.
- Larger than 12 × 4 metres: a skipper's certificate, coastal skipper's certificate or equivalent training is required.
- Personal watercraft: a PWC licence and a minimum age of 15 are required.
Whatever the boat, the Swedish Maritime Code requires it to be manned in a safe manner. A skipper who fails to show good seamanship can be fined or jailed.
Förarintyg, what's known as a boat licence
The förarintyg course teaches you the basics of navigation and how to behave on the water. It covers handling a smaller pleasure boat in sheltered waters in daylight. The certificate is voluntary. Boats larger than 12 × 4 metres require a kustskepparexamen or an equivalent qualification.
Study associations and boating schools run the courses. You take the exam with Nämnden för båtlivsutbildning (NFB). NFB is backed by Svenska Båtunionen, Svenska Kryssarklubben, Svenska Seglarförbundet and Transportstyrelsen, and NFB registers the certificate.
Coastal skipper certificate and other certificates
NFB's certificates build on each other. Beyond the boat driver's certificate there are, among others:
- Coastal skipper certificate
- Offshore skipper certificate
- Boat handling practice certificate and boat mechanic certificate
- Manoeuvring certificate for high-speed craft
- Radar certificate, SRC and LRC certificates (radio)
- Sailing certificate and canal certificate
NFB has replaced the blue certificate book with an app and a certificate card. Old certificate books are still valid.
Large boats: over 12 × 4 metres
If the boat is larger than 12 by 4 metres, you need a skipper's certificate, a coastal skipper's certificate, a qualification from the nautical programme at a maritime academy, or other training approved by the Swedish Maritime Administration. So if you are buying a large boat, plan on one more course.
Fast boats
The high-speed boat handling certificate covers boats that do 25 knots or more and have power trim and adjustable trim tabs. It isn't required, but the course trains things like man overboard at speed, evasive manoeuvres and trimming.
Personal watercraft: operator's licence required
- Take a course with a training provider approved by Transportstyrelsen. You must be at least 15 years old.
- Apply for the operator's certificate through Transportstyrelsen's e-service. The application costs 300 kronor. A plastic card costs 200 kronor extra and is optional.
- Carry the certificate and valid ID when you drive.
While the certificate is being issued, the course certificate is valid for no more than one month after the course.
Lost your certificate?
NFB certificates are registered to your personal identity number. Log in with Mobilt BankID in the NFB app to see them right away, or order a certificate card. The card can take up to 20 working days to arrive. The personal watercraft licence is not handled by NFB. It's managed by Transportstyrelsen.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a boating licence in Sweden?
Not for a small leisure boat. The Förarintyg (boating certificate) is voluntary but recommended. Boats larger than 12 × 4 metres require a coastal skipper certificate or equivalent, and personal watercraft require a Förarbevis (operator's licence).
What's the difference between a förarbevis and a förarintyg?
The Förarbevis is the mandatory licence for driving a personal watercraft. The Förarintyg is NFB's voluntary basic certificate for leisure boat skippers.
When do you need a Coastal Skipper Certificate?
A kustskepparexamen, skepparexamen or equivalent training is required for boats over 12 by 4 metres.
What is the age requirement for personal watercraft?
You must be at least 15 and hold a personal watercraft licence.
Sources
- Utbildning för fritidsbåt, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Vattenskoter – förarbevis, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Förarintyg – introduktion forarintyg.se
- Beställ intygsbevis, Nämnden för båtlivsutbildning (NFB) batlivsutbildning.se