Am I allowed to drive a speedboat without a licence in Denmark?
No — a speedboat needs a speedboat licence, and there is an age limit. There is no general boat licence, but a speedboat licence is required to operate a planing speedboat above a certain engine power. You must be 16 to operate a speedboat — you can sit the exam at 15, but only drive lawfully once you turn 16. Sailing a craft of 15–24 m needs a competence certificate, and you must be of age. A fixed alcohol limit of 0.5 applies to craft over 15 m, planing speedboats and jet skis. For small sailboats and slow motorboats there is no fixed limit, but you must not be so affected that you cannot sail safely.
📋 The rules
- A speedboat needs a speedboat licence
- You must be 16 to operate a speedboat (exam at 15)
- A craft of 15–24 m needs a competence certificate
- Alcohol limit 0.5 for speedboats, over 15 m and jet skis
- Small boats: no fixed limit, but safe sailing
🔓 Exceptions
- Sailboats and slow motorboats under 15 m need no training
- You may not hand the wheel to someone lacking the licence
- The old plastic exam card no longer grants speedboat rights
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Sailing without the required licence can, under the Sailing Union tariff, bring 5,000 kr the first time and 10,000 kr the second. Drunk sailing can bring an income-based fine, loss of the right and seizure of the boat.
📎 Official sources
- Maritime Authority · Speedboat licence →
- Maritime Authority · Drunk sailing →
- Certificates regulation · Retsinformation →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I drive a speedboat without a licence?
No. A planing speedboat above a certain engine power needs a speedboat licence, and you must be 16 to operate it.
How old must I be?
16 to operate a speedboat. You can sit the exam at 15, but only sail lawfully once you turn 16.
Is there an alcohol limit on the water?
Yes, 0.5 for craft over 15 m, planing speedboats and jet skis. For small boats there is no fixed limit.
What does a larger boat need?
A craft of 15–24 m needs a competence certificate, and the operator must be of age.
What is the penalty for sailing without a licence?
5,000 kr the first time and 10,000 kr the second under the Sailing Union tariff.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I drive a speedboat without licence denmark”
- “speedboat licence age 16”
- “alcohol limit water 0.5”
- “competence certificate 15 24 m”
- “speedboat engine power”
- “drunk sailing fine”