Short answer
Since 1 May 2022, a personal watercraft licence has been required to ride a jet ski. You must be at least 15 years old, complete a course of at least 15 hours with a training provider approved by Transportstyrelsen, and then apply for the licence. The application costs 300 kr. When riding, you must carry the licence and valid ID.
Quick facts
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 15 years |
| Training | At least 15 hours of theory and practice, with an exam |
| Application fee | 300 kr (electronic certificate) |
| Plastic card (optional) | 200 kr extra |
| Course certificate valid for | No more than one month after the course |
| Checked by | The Police and the Coast Guard |
How to get your boating licence
- Choose an approved training provider from Transportstyrelsen's list.
- Take the course and pass the test. Some of the theory can be studied remotely.
- Apply through the Vattenskoterwebben e-service. The certificate is issued electronically.
- Download an offline copy if you ride where mobile coverage is poor.
Where you're allowed to operate
The regulation on the use of personal watercraft restricts riding to public fairways and to areas designated by the county administrative board (länsstyrelsen). Outside these, personal watercraft are in principle not allowed, except for transit to and from places where riding is permitted. Check the county administrative board's decisions for your area before you ride.
Safe boating
A personal watercraft is fast, quiet for the rider and hard to see from other boats. Many accidents happen close to shore and in harbours. A few simple rules reduce the risk:
- Always wear a life jacket, and attach the kill-switch lanyard to your body so the engine stops if you fall off.
- Keep your speed down near swimming areas, jetties and in narrow sounds. Many municipalities have local speed limits.
- Don't ride in the wake of other boats, and don't jump waves near others.
- Steering requires throttle. If you let go of the throttle, the PWC loses its ability to steer.
- Follow the rules of the road – a personal watercraft is a power-driven vessel.
The same blood alcohol limits apply as for other fast boats. The police and Kustbevakningen (the Swedish Coast Guard) check both operator licences and sobriety.
Plan your trip before you set off. Check the county administrative board's map of permitted areas, the weather and wind, and bring a phone in a waterproof case. A personal watercraft has limited range, so keep an eye on your fuel and don't go further out than you can make it back from.
Exemptions and penalties
- The requirement does not apply to authorities and rescue services on duty, participants in approved training, or racers competing under a sports federation.
- Young racers under 15 can apply for an exemption from the age limit.
- Riding without a licence or riding recklessly can result in a fine.
- Visitors from the EEA need an equivalent licence from their own country.
Different rules apply to regular boats, see boating licence and the blood alcohol limit.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to ride a jet ski?
At least 15 years old, and you must hold a boating licence.
How much does the boating licence cost?
Applying to Transportstyrelsen costs 300 kr. A physical plastic card costs an extra 200 kr. The course is paid separately to the training provider.
Is my boating licence valid?
No, personal watercraft require the specific operator's licence.
Where can I ride a jet ski?
In public fairways and in areas designated by the county administrative board (länsstyrelsen).
Do I need a boating licence to rent a jet ski?
Yes, the requirement applies to all drivers, even on a rented PWC. The rental company must check that you have a licence and ID.
Sources
- Vattenskoter, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Förordning (1993:1053) om användning av vattenskoter, Sveriges riksdag riksdagen.se