Which licence do I need?
| Licence | Cat. | Validity | Requirements |
| Powerboat | A | - Swiss inland waters (lakes, rivers) - foreign inland waters after conversion into an international certificate (ICC) |
- cantonal theory exam* - cantonal practical exam |
| Sailing | D | - Swiss inland waters (lakes, rivers) - foreign inland waters after conversion into an international certificate (ICC) |
- cantonal theory exam* - cantonal practical exam |
| Offshore licence – sail SCCOY Swiss Certificate of Competence for Ocean Yachting |
sail | - offshore and ocean sailing - auxiliary engine included - geographically unlimited - unlimited in time |
- sailing licence cat. D - theory exam - 1,000 certified nautical miles - eyesight test (valid 2 years) - hearing test (valid 2 years) - first aid course (valid 6 years) |
| Offshore licence – motor SCCOY Swiss Certificate of Competence for Ocean Yachting |
motor | - offshore and ocean navigation by motor yacht - geographically unlimited - unlimited in time |
- powerboat licence cat. A - theory exam - 600 certified nautical miles - eyesight test (valid 2 years) - hearing test (valid 2 years) - first aid course (valid 6 years) |
| Licence within 12 nautical miles (Italian) | motor and sail | - not valid in Switzerland and cannot be converted - provisionally valid for one year when moving from Italy to Switzerland |
- exam preparation course - compulsory lessons - exams in Italy |
| Licence beyond 12 nautical miles (Italian) | motor and sail | - not valid in Switzerland and cannot be converted - provisionally valid for one year when moving from Italy to Switzerland |
- exam preparation course - compulsory lessons - exams in Italy |
* In Ticino the theory exam for cat. A and D is not available in English. See Theory exams in English.
Navigating in coastal waters
Whether category A and D licences are recognised in coastal waters depends on the country the waters belong to. Unfortunately we cannot check recognition for each country; further information is available from the Swiss embassies and diplomatic representations in the individual countries.
Swiss category A and D licences comply with the «International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft – Resolution No. 40» of the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe).