Is a Polish License Valid in Germany?
Response from a German authority to questions regarding Polish qualifications.
At the beginning of 2023, our organization sent inquiries to most offices and partner institutions asking how international regulations are interpreted and what the recognition status is of documents issued by the following organizations: Polish Motorboating Association, RYA, ISSA, EYTA (letter content https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iigd5DOZW3g1dAcUdis39MFuxeg5jxXc/view?usp=sharing).
In response, the following information was received:
1.
No. Due to a decree of the Federal Ministry, Polish pleasure craft licenses can no longer be converted since May 2022.
2.
Here is the link to ECE Resolution No. 40: https://uneco.org/icc-resolution-no-40 Licenses from the countries listed there are recognized in Germany for holiday purposes. If someone with a license from one of these countries wishes to obtain a German pleasure craft license, the practical exam is recognized; only the theoretical exam must be taken.
3.–7.
Yes, but these pleasure craft licenses allow operation in Germany only as a guest. Additionally, the license is valid only for persons whose main residence is in the country where the license was issued.
8. + 9.
Yes, but if you do not have residence in Germany, the license is valid only for Germany and not internationally.
10. Examinations for German motorboat licenses may only be conducted by the German Motoryacht Association (DMYV) or the German Sailing Association (DSV).
For all commercial matters, please contact the GDWS – General Directorate for Waterways and Shipping in Bonn www.gdws.wsv.bund.de
I hope this helps you.
Kind regards
German Motoryacht Association e.V.
on behalf of Stefanie Albrecht
Department of Licensing Affairs / Training Centers"
If any of you are interested in more information on this topic, you can find it at the following link:
https://www.dmyv.de/aktuelles/detail/qualitaet-statt-seemannsgarn-dmyv-ausbildung-zum-sportbootfuehrerschein
Therefore, dear club members, please navigate within the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany in accordance with the regulations and requirements specified in the text above.




