A medical certificate is a basic requirement for obtaining a pleasure boat license, as it confirms your eyesight, hearing and general health and is therefore essential for registering for the exam. If difficulties arise in issuing or recognizing the certificate, for example due to unclear findings or a negative decision, a lawyer specializing in boating law can provide valuable legal support. He will check the legal requirements, assess whether the rejection of the certificate was lawful and whether your rights have been violated. If the decision is negative or unclear, he will help you to file an objection and contest the decision. He will also advise you on alternative options if no certificate is issued and, if necessary, mediate between you and the responsible examination bodies to clear up any misunderstandings. In this article, I will discuss the general requirements for obtaining a boat license and how you can take action against a negative decision.
How to get all the requirements: Medical certificate for the recreational boating license – Download the form and fill it out correctly
To apply for your recreational boating license (SBF inland or SBF sea), you need a medical certificate.
You can download the official form for the medical certificate of fitness directly from the websites of the German Sailing Association (DSV) or the German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV).
Eye test for the pleasure boat license – requirements and implementation
Passing an eye test is essential for obtaining a recreational boating license, both for inland waters and for sea navigation. This test assesses not only visual acuity but also the applicant's ability to distinguish colors. The eye test can be administered either by a general practitioner or by an officially recognized eye testing center, such as an optician.
Visual acuity testing is carried out according to DIN 58220. The Landolt ring test is specifically used, in which the test subject must identify the position of the opening in a circular ring. The minimum visual acuity requirement is 0.8, either in the better eye or both eyes, with or without the aid of visual aids. Even monocular vision is acceptable, provided the remaining eye is fully functional.
In addition to the visual acuity test, a color vision test is conducted using the Ishihara color charts. This test is designed to assess color recognition ability. It is permissible to make up to two errors in a review of 24 charts. Mild color vision deficiency is generally not considered a barrier to obtaining a driver's license.
Hearing test for the pleasure boat license – requirements and implementation
To obtain a recreational boating license for inland waters or sea, passing a hearing test is essential. This test ensures that the applicant is able to recognize safety-relevant acoustic signals on the water, which is essential for safe navigation.
The hearing test can be performed with or without hearing aids. It checks whether the person can understand spoken language from a distance of three meters with one ear and from a distance of five meters with both ears. These requirements ensure that all essential communication signals can be clearly perceived while on the water.
This hearing test is authorized to be conducted by practicing physicians and hearing aid acousticians. They are qualified to ensure that the applicant's hearing meets the requirements necessary for the safe operation of a recreational craft.
General health check for the pleasure boat license – support from a boating lawyer
Obtaining a recreational boating license, both for inland waters and the open sea, requires a medical examination in accordance with the Recreational Boating License Ordinance (SpFV), last updated on January 1, 2023. The purpose of this examination is to determine whether there are any health impairments that could impair the safe operation of a recreational boat. Specific aspects reviewed include seizure disorders such as epilepsy, impaired consciousness, and addiction.
Should issues arise regarding medical fitness, legal support is available to review the legality of the medical decision. This includes verifying whether the medical assessments and the issued medical certificate comply with legal requirements. Legal representation also offers support in appealing and appealing negative medical certificates and advises on possible alternatives, such as obtaining additional medical reports to demonstrate the required medical fitness.
Costs for the medical certificate for a pleasure boat license – fees and savings opportunities
The cost of the medical certificate, which is required as proof of medical fitness for the recreational boating license (SBF Inland & SBF Sea), can vary depending on the doctor and is usually at least €40. This fee is based on the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ). To reduce the overall cost of obtaining this certificate, it is possible to complete the required tests in stages.
Vision can be tested by an optician and hearing by a hearing aid specialist. This may be more cost-effective, but requires additional organizational effort. Despite these preparatory steps, a final visit to a doctor is essential, as only the doctor is authorized to perform the general health check and issue the complete medical certificate. This approach potentially allows applicants to complete the individual components of the test more cost-effectively and flexibly.
Validity of the medical certificate for the pleasure boat license – deadlines and exceptions
The medical certificate (medical proof of fitness) for the recreational boating license (SBF inland & SBF sea) is valid for 12 months.
You must successfully pass the exam for the recreational boating license or the Lake Constance boating license within this period, as the certificate will no longer be valid after this period.
If you already have an inland sports boat license (SBF Inland) or a sea sports boat license (SBF See) that is less than 12 months old, the existing document can be used as a replacement for the proof of fitness.
SBF inland available: No new certificate is required for the SBF Sea (if the SBF Inland is not older than one year).
SBF See available: No new certificate is necessary for the SBF Inland if the SBF Sea was acquired within the last 12 months.
Type 2 diabetes and the pleasure boat license – Legal clarification from a boating lawyer
Many people with type 2 diabetes face the question of whether their condition could interfere with obtaining a recreational boating license (for inland or sea boating). Generally speaking, if blood sugar levels are well controlled, diabetes is not an obstacle in most cases. The medical fitness criteria allow obtaining a recreational boating license as long as there are no health restrictions that could jeopardize safety. These include, among other things, hypoglycemia, severe blood sugar fluctuations, or impaired consciousness. However, if type 2 diabetes is well controlled, there is usually no reason to disqualify.
People with type 2 diabetes typically receive a medical certificate of fitness to sail valid for five years. After this period, a re-examination is required. If your medical certificate is denied due to your condition, a lawyer specializing in boating law can assist you. They can review the doctor's decision, file an appeal in the event of a denial, and offer legal advice and assistance in preparing expert opinions in contentious cases.
With expert medical care and legal support from an experienced boating attorney, people with type 2 diabetes have a very good chance of successfully obtaining a recreational boating license. It's advisable to seek advice early on to avoid potential legal obstacles.
English 
German 
Dutch