Short answer
- Smaller leisure boat: no licence required. It is still recommended.
- Larger than 12 × 4 metres: a skipper's certificate, coastal skipper's certificate or equivalent training is required.
- Personal watercraft: a PWC licence is required and you must be at least 15.
Whatever the boat, sjölagen (the Swedish Maritime Code) requires it to be adequately crewed. A skipper who fails to show good seamanship can be fined or imprisoned.
Förarintyg – the so-called boating licence
The Förarintyg (Swedish boat driver's certificate) gives you basic knowledge of navigation and the rules of the road at sea. It is aimed at handling a smaller pleasure boat in sheltered waters and daylight. It is voluntary and does not replace the Kustskepparexamen (coastal skipper certificate) or equivalent qualification required for boats larger than 12 × 4 metres.
Courses are run by adult education associations and boating schools. The exam and registration are handled by Nämnden för båtlivsutbildning (NFB), which includes Svenska Båtunionen, Svenska Kryssarklubben, Svenska Seglarförbundet and Transportstyrelsen.
The Förarintyg is recommended for everyone who operates a pleasure boat, as it makes boating safer for both you and others on board.
Coastal skipper certificate and other certificates
NFB's certificates build on each other. In addition to the Förarintyg (basic boating licence), there are, among others:
- Coastal skipper certificate
- Offshore skipper certificate
- Boat handling and boat mechanic certificates
- High-speed boat handling certificate
- Radar certificate, SRC and LRC certificates (radio)
- Sailing certificate and canal certificate
The certificates can be recorded in NFB's blue certificate book.
Large boats: over 12 × 4 metres
If the boat is larger than 12 by 4 metres, you need a skipper's certificate (skepparexamen), coastal skipper certificate (kustskepparexamen), a nautical degree from a maritime academy, or other training approved by Sjöfartsverket. Keep this in mind before buying a larger boat.
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.
- Apply for the Förarbevis through Transportstyrelsen's e-service. The application costs 300 kronor; a plastic card costs 200 kronor extra and is optional.
- Carry your Förarbevis and valid ID when you ride.
The course certificate is valid as proof for up to one month after the course while the Förarbevis is being issued.
Lost your certificate?
The Boat Driving Licence, certificate logbook, radio certificate and Coastal Skipper Certificate can be replaced. Transportstyrelsen and NFB explain how.
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?
When the boat is larger than 12 by 4 metres, a skipper's certificate (skepparexamen), coastal skipper's certificate (kustskepparexamen) or equivalent training is required.
How old do you have to be to ride a jet ski?
At least 15 years old, and you must hold a personal watercraft licence.
Sources
- Utbildning för fritidsbåt, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Vattenskoter – förarbevis, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Förarintyg – introduktion forarintyg.se
- Nämnden för båtlivsutbildning (NFB) nfb.se