Hiring a Boat Without a Licence: What You Can and Cannot Do
"Do I need a boat licence?" — it's the question we get most often. And the good news: for most rental boats in the Netherlands, you do not need a licence.
But there are rules and limits. In this article we explain clearly what is and isn't allowed, so you can head out on the water with peace of mind.
The basic rule
In the Netherlands, a simple rule from the CBR (Central Bureau for Driving Tests) applies:
No licence required if your boat:
- Is shorter than 15 metres
- Cannot go faster than 20 km/h
Meet both conditions? Then you may sail without a licence. This applies on most inland waters, including the Weerribben-Wieden, the Frisian lakes, and the canals of the Randstad.
Which boats may you operate without a licence?
| Boat type | Licence required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whisper boat (electric) | ❌ No | Always below the limit |
| Sloep (open motorboat) | ❌ No* | *Provided under 15m and ≤20 km/h |
| Canoe / kayak | ❌ No | No motor, no licence |
| SUP | ❌ No | No motor |
| Small motorboat | ❌ No* | *Provided under 15m and ≤20 km/h |
| Sailboat (small) | ❌ No* | *Below the limit; note CWO requirements at some rental companies |
| Large motorboat (>20 km/h) | ✅ Yes | Klein Vaarbewijs 1 or 2 required |
| Boat >15 metres | ✅ Yes | Klein Vaarbewijs 1 required |
| On the Westerschelde, Waddenzee, etc. | ✅ Yes | Klein Vaarbewijs 2 required |
Almost all rental boats in recreational boating fall below the limit. So you rarely need to worry about this.
Klein Vaarbewijs 1 vs 2 — the difference
If you do need a licence, there are two variants:
Klein Vaarbewijs 1 (KVB1)
- For boats that go faster than 20 km/h or are longer than 15 metres
- Valid on all inland waters (rivers, canals, lakes)
- Theory exam only (no practical test)
- Minimum age: 18
Klein Vaarbewijs 2 (KVB2)
- Everything from KVB1 plus the major waters (Waddenzee, Westerschelde, IJsselmeer, Oosterschelde)
- Additional exam on top of KVB1
- Required when sailing on open, sea-like waters
Note: KVB2 is an extension of KVB1 — you always need KVB1 first.
In the Weerribben-Wieden area
Good news: the entire sailing area of the Weerribben-Wieden counts as inland water. With rental boats (whisper boats, sloepen, small motorboats) you do not need a licence here.
No licence, but traffic rules still apply
Not needing a licence doesn't mean there are no rules. The most important ones:
1. Keep to the right
As on the road: you keep to the right. Oncoming traffic passes on your left.
2. Starboard has priority
Is a boat approaching from your right? It has priority — unless you're on a main waterway.
3. Commercial traffic always has priority
Large vessels and commercial traffic always have right of way. Move aside and make your intentions clear.
4. Adjust your speed
In narrow waterways and canals there is often a speed limit. In Giethoorn the maximum is 6 km/h. Go too fast and you create wash that damages the banks — and you'll be called out on it.
5. Don't sail under the influence
Same as on the road: an alcohol limit of 0.5‰ (promille). This is checked on the water too.
6. Lighting after sunset
Sailing after sunset? You must show lights: masthead light, sidelights, and stern light. Most rental companies don't allow evening sailing, so this rarely applies to hire boats.
The pre-departure briefing
Serious rental companies always give you a briefing before you leave. It usually takes 5–10 minutes and covers:
- How the motor works (start, stop, reverse)
- How to steer (it feels different from a car)
- Where you may and may not sail
- What to do in an emergency
- How to moor and tie up
- Where to find the phone if something goes wrong
Take this briefing seriously. It sounds simple, but handling a boat takes getting used to — especially braking (spoiler: boats have no brakes).
Frequently asked questions
Can children operate a boat? There is no legal minimum age for operating a boat without a licence. In practice, rental companies usually require the main skipper to be at least 18. Children may help steer under direct adult supervision.
I have a foreign driving licence. Can I hire a boat? A driving licence is not the same as a boat licence. But for boats that don't require a licence, it doesn't matter — anyone may operate them.
Do I have to pay a deposit? That varies by rental company. A deposit of €50–€150 is common. You get it back if the boat is returned undamaged.
What if I cause damage? With most rental companies you're insured for damage to third parties. Damage to the hire boat itself is deducted from the deposit. Ask about the terms in advance.
Can I sail a hire boat on any water? No. The rental company specifies which sailing area you're allowed in. Usually that's the immediate surrounding water network. Large rivers or open waters are often excluded.
Summary
- For most rental boats you do not need a licence
- The limit: shorter than 15 metres and maximum 20 km/h
- In the Weerribben-Wieden: never a licence needed with rental boats
- No licence ≠ no rules — know the basic traffic rules
- Take the pre-departure briefing seriously
- When in doubt: ask your rental company
At Nijenhuis Botenverhuur you don't need a licence for any of our boats. You always receive a personal briefing before departure, so you can head out safely and with confidence. View the boats →