Short answer
The Coastal Skipper Certificate (Kustskepparintyg) is issued by Nämnden för båtlivsutbildning (NFB) and is the next level after the Boat Driver's Certificate (förarintyg). According to NFB, it qualifies you to operate pleasure boats that are at least 12 metres long and 4 metres wide, in daylight, darkness and restricted visibility, in both sheltered and open waters. You need the förarintyg and must be at least 15 years old. You then pass NFB's theory exam and obtain a practical boating certificate.
When is it needed?
| Situation | What applies |
|---|---|
| Leisure boat under 12 m long or under 4 m wide | No certificate required |
| Leisure boat larger than 12 × 4 m | Transportstyrelsen requires a skepparexamen, kustskepparexamen or equivalent – the förarintyg (Swedish basic boating certificate) is not enough |
| Boat rental and charter | The rental company may require a specific certificate – ask in advance |
The certificate applies to boats used only for leisure and recreational purposes. Requirements for commercial shipping are set by Transportstyrelsen.
How it works
- Get the förarintyg (Swedish boat driving licence) if you don't already have it.
- Study coastal navigation, meteorology, seamanship and the rules, through a club, a sailing school or on your own.
- Buy an exam licence from NFB (325 kr according to NFB). Choose the West or East exam depending on which practice chart you have.
- Book an exam session with one of NFB's partners. The booking fee is paid separately to the organiser.
- Bring a computer or tablet, practice chart 61/93, dividers, protractor, ruler, pencil, eraser and calculator (not your phone).
- Get a practical boating certificate for daylight or night. It can be done before or after the exam but is required for the certificate to be valid.
What the exam covers
- Navigation with charts, compass and electronic aids, including at night.
- Light characteristics and navigation marks.
- Collision regulations and navigation lights.
- Weather, sea state and planning a longer trip.
- Safety, running aground, man overboard and fire.
Get prepared
The exam is digital and based on practical navigation on the training chart. Most of your preparation is therefore about calculating course, distance and speed, plotting positions and recognising light characteristics. Read NFB's knowledge requirements before you sign up. They describe exactly what can come up on the exam and are revised from time to time.
- Practise with the same training chart used in the exam so you know the area.
- Work through past practice exercises against the clock.
- Run a boat in the dark with an experienced skipper before taking the night practical.
- Keep logbook entries from trips where you were the skipper.
Good to do at the same time
Consider taking the VHF certificate (SRC) the same winter. With both a radio certificate and a skipper's certificate, you're well prepared for longer trips and for chartering.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Coastal Skipper certificate required?
For boats larger than 12 × 4 metres, Transportstyrelsen requires a Skepparexamen, Kustskepparexamen or equivalent. For smaller pleasure boats it is voluntary.
Do I need a boating licence first?
Yes. NFB lists a boating licence and a minimum age of 15 as prerequisites.
Who issues the certificate?
Nämnden för båtlivsutbildning (NFB, the Swedish board for boating education). Exams are taken with examiners approved by the board.
How much does the exam cost?
NFB charges 325 kr for the exam licence. You pay the exam session fee separately to whoever organises the exam, and the course fee comes on top if you take a course.
What is a båtpraktikintyg (practical boating certificate)?
A certificate of practical boating experience, for daylight or darkness. It's required for the coastal skipper certificate to become valid and can be taken before or after the theory exam.
Sources
- Kustskepparintyg, Nämnden för båtlivsutbildning batlivsutbildning.se
- Nämnden för båtlivsutbildning (NFB) batlivsutbildning.se
- Utbildning för fritidsbåt, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se