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Lake Constance boatmaster's certificate; application for examination and application for a replacement copy

The Lake Constance boatmaster's license can be issued if the theoretical examination and the practical examination have been successfully passed or proven. A replacement copy can be applied for if the patent has been lost.

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Supplement: Landratsamt Lindau (Bodensee)

Supplement: Landratsamt Lindau (Bodensee)

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Landratsamt Lindau (Bodensee)

Landratsamt Lindau (Bodensee)

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Stiftsplatz 4
88131 Lindau (Bodensee)

Postal address

Postfach 3322

88105 Lindau (Bodensee)

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Procedure details

As a rule, you require a Lake Constance skipper's license to operate a vessel registered on Lake Constance if

  • the ship or boat is powered by an engine and the engine power is over 4.4 kilowatts
  • the sailboat has more than 12 square meters of sail area

You can obtain the Lake Constance boat license for the following categories:

  • Category A: motor-powered vessels, provided they do not fall under categories B and C
  • Category B: Passenger ships
  • Category C: Freight vessels and floating devices with their own propulsion
  • Category D: Sailing boats

You can register for the theoretical and practical examination at the Lindau (Lake Constance) District Office.

For the practical examination

  • you must provide an approved, patentable boat of the corresponding propulsion type,
  • a patent holder must be on board as skipper and
  • the boat must be licensed for at least three people.

If you already have the relevant recreational boating license, you do not need to take the practical test.

The requirements for acquiring category A and D boatmasters' certificates are

  • for category D: persons aged 14 and over
  • for category A: persons aged 18 and over
  • mental and physical fitness to operate a vessel
    • Sufficient hearing
    • Sufficient eyesight
    • Sufficient color discrimination
  • Your previous behavior suggests that you as a skipper will observe the regulations and show consideration for others. For example, you must not have a relevant criminal record.

Requirements for a replacement certificate: You have lost your Lake Constance boatmaster's license or it has been stolen.

  • The following documents are required:
    • Issue of a Lake Constance skipper's license
      • official medical certificate or medical certificate (hearing and vision)
      • passport photo
      • Copies of certificates of competence, if applicable
    • Issue of an initial certificate
      • passport photo

You can register for the theoretical and practical examinations directly at the Lindau (Lake Constance) District Office.

For the practical examination, you can usually register by telephone at the district office and arrange the examination date and location.

The Lake Constance skipper's license is issued when the theoretical and practical examinations have been successfully passed or proven and all documents are complete. Both parts of the examination must be passed within 12 months or taken at the same examination authority.

If a boatmaster's license has been lost, the authority that issued the boatmaster's license will issue a second copy upon request.

The fees for the patent examinations are set by the Lindau (Lake Constance) District Office.

You must pass all theoretical and practical parts of the examination within twelve months in order to be granted a patent.

Note: In special cases, such as illness or pregnancy, you can apply in writing for an extension of the deadline.

The processing time depends on the individual case. Processing usually takes place within one week.

Supplement: Landratsamt Lindau (Bodensee)

Status: 05.06.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wohnen, Bau und Verkehr
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