German thresholds
What does the German regulation say?
Section 5(1) SpFV exempts anyone operating a recreational boat whose engine has a maximum non-exceedable net output of no more than 11.03 kilowatts with a combustion engine, or no more than 7.5 kilowatts in duty type S1 with an electric motor [1]. The exemption applies on all German inland waterways and on the maritime waterways.
The federal waterways portal ELWIS states the same values. The inland licence is required above 11.03 kW (15 hp) for combustion engines and above 7.5 kW for electric motors, for boats under 20 m. At sea there is no length limit [2]. ADAC Skipper adds two conditions: the skipper is at least 16 years old, and the boat is not used commercially [3].
15 metric horsepower (PS) equal 11.03 kW, and ELWIS treats the two values as the same [2]. The regulation says “no more than”, so a 15 PS outboard sits exactly on the limit and is still exempt [1]. Check the kW value on the type plate and in the engine papers, not in an advert.
Electric boats: 7.5 kW until the reform takes effect
Since 1 January 2023, only electric boats up to 7.5 kW may be operated without a certificate in Germany [2]. On 17 October 2025 the Federal Ministry of Transport announced a single threshold of 11.03 kW for all drive types. The regulation was meant to enter into force for the 2026 season; the licensing changes are essentially to apply after a transition period from 1 January 2028 [4]. On 20 October 2026 the regulation text still says 7.5 kW [1].
Where the 15 hp rule does not apply
- Lake Constance: its own navigation regulation requires a category A skipper’s licence for motorboats above 4.4 kW [5].
- Berlin: on the Spree-Oder waterway between km 14.1 and km 20.7 the exemption does not apply. Small craft may only be operated there with a boating licence, even below 15 hp, and not with less than 5 hp [3].
- State waters: lakes and rivers that are not federal waterways follow the rules of the German state, which can also be 5 hp [3].
- Rhine: since 1 April 2023 the general 15 hp rule applies there too [3].
Visiting Germany from another country
Section 5(1) no. 3 SpFV has a separate rule for residents of other countries who stay in Germany for up to one year. They need no German licence if their home country requires none for the boat. If the home country requires a certificate of competence, or applies UNECE Resolution No. 40, they need that certificate or the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) [1].
So the German 15 hp limit is only half of the answer for a visitor. The other half is what your own country requires. The check below shows the verified rules we hold for European countries, each with its primary source.
Licence check
Do I need a licence for this boat?
Pick a country, model and engine. The result comes from our rules database, every rule with its primary source and the date we checked it.
No licence required
höchstens 11,03 Kilowatt (Verbrennungsmotor) bzw. höchstens 7,5 Kilowatt in der Betriebsart S1 (Dauerbetrieb) nach DIN EN 60034-1 (Elektromotor)
The figures come from the primary sources linked above and are not legal advice. What counts is the law of the waters you navigate, on the day you navigate them.
Charter certificate for rented boats
On designated German inland waters, a charter company can issue a charter certificate after at least three hours of instruction. It applies only to the rented boat and the rental period, with a maximum boat length of 15 m, 12 people on board and 12 km/h [3]. More on rental fleets: rental and charter boats.
Which SeaStorm fits the German exemption?
The table shows every catalogue variant that falls under the German exemption, calculated from the same data as the configurator. According to the catalogue the SeaStorm 12, 13s and 14 reach about 30 km/h with 15 PS.
Models and licence
Germany: which SeaStorm can I operate without a licence?
4 of 23 engine variants can be operated without a licence. Calculated from the catalogue and the rules database.
| Model | Engine | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SeaStorm 12 | 15 hp | 3.66 m | €12,499 |
| SeaStorm 13s | 15 hp | 4.00 m | €14,499 |
| SeaStorm 14 | 15 hp | 4.28 m | €15,499 |
| SeaStorm 17 | 15 hp | 5.17 m | €19,499 |
The figures come from the primary sources linked above and are not legal advice. What counts is the law of the waters you navigate, on the day you navigate them.
Every stronger engine option needs a licence in Germany. The SeaStorm 17 is also available with 15 PS, from €19,499. On the 5.17 m boat this is an engine for calm cruising at displacement speed: it reaches at most about 20 km/h, and fully loaded the 17 will not get on plane. Prices and the configurator are on the page motorboat and licence; how much power a boat needs otherwise is covered in the horsepower guide.
This guide is general information about German law, not legal advice. The current regulation text and the authority responsible for your waters are binding.