Going on a short trip in a motorboat on a summer holiday is a pleasure for many. However, this can end in Croatia before departure if you do not have a corresponding patent. In contrast to other countries, the Mediterranean state requires a valid boat driver's license from the very first HP engine.

In the European Union there is no uniform regulation of how powerfully a watercraft may be powered in order to steer it without a patent. Basically, you are on the safe side if you can show a valid sports boat license. This gives you an official document that proves that you are able to steer a watercraft.

Driving without a license is regulated in very different ways. For example, in Greece you can drive up to 70 hp without a license. In Italy it is 40 hp and in Germany and Spain 15 hp each. In the Federal Republic there is still the special feature that the watercraft may be up to 15 meters long. Croatia, on the other hand, requires a valid license from the very first hp.

The organization AC Nautic criticizes the inconsistent practice, since in their opinion many EU states have de facto put the patent system in private hands. The theory exams for the boat license are often done using multiple choice. In the meantime, learning is very often only done using apps. Mandatory theory training is not required by law in most EU countries. An oral examination is often not provided either! Therefore, learning from ready-made answers and questions for the exam is often sufficient.

The fact that in many EU countries at least smaller boats can be sailed without a license is viewed critically by the organization mentioned. This would often lead to fatal accidents in coastal areas, since people would lack knowledge about regulations and dangers in the sea. Croatia is regarded as exemplary, since a patent is required from the very first horsepower engine.