Hamburg

Boat Schools in Hamburg

Hamburg connects inland waterways and seafaring like few other cities. Hundreds of boats sail on the Alster, and the Elbe provides direct access to the North Sea. In Hamburg's numerous boat schools, you can take both the inland and coastal boat licence.

Waterways in Hamburg

Hamburg offers access to: Elbe, Alster, Bille, Dove Elbe, Hamburg harbour and North Sea access.

SBF Inland
Required for rivers, canals and lakes above 15 HP.
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SBF Coastal
Required for coastal waters (North and Baltic Sea).
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Boat Schools in Hamburg

Here are 4 boat schools in Hamburg that offer boat licence training.

Mobile Bootsfahrschule Hamburg

Schwarzenbergstr. 95, 21073 Hamburg

SBF BinnenSBF SeeSKSSRCUBI
Website

Yachtschule Meridian

Hamburg-Rothenburgsort, an den Elbbrücken

SBF BinnenSBF SeeSRCUBI
Website

Sportbootschule Nautilus

Hamburg

SBF BinnenSBF SeeSRCUBILRC
Website

Yachtschule Buhlheller

Hamburg-Zentrum

SBF BinnenSBF SeeSKS
Website
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Exams in Hamburg

The DMYV and DSV offer regular exams in Hamburg, including locations at Jungfernstieg and Hamburg-Harburg.

Theory exam
30 multiple-choice questions (SBF Inland: 45 min, SBF Coastal: 60 min incl. navigation).
Practical exam
On-water manoeuvres: docking, turning, stopping and man-overboard. Plus knots.
Exam bodies
Exams are administered by the DMYV (German Motor Yacht Association) or the DSV (German Sailing Association).

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The smart split

Study theory independently with BoatPass (from 9.99 euros), then book only the practical lessons at a boat school in Hamburg. This is the most cost-effective way to get your German boat licence.

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Frequently asked questions about Hamburg

Do I need the SBF Inland or Coastal licence in Hamburg?

For the Alster and inland waterways you need the SBF Inland. For the Elbe from Hamburg harbour towards the North Sea, the SBF Coastal applies. Many people in Hamburg get both licences.

How much does a boat licence cost in Hamburg?

Exam fees are around €130–148. With a school and practical lessons, expect €500–800 per licence. Study the theory independently with BoatPass for €9.99 per catalogue.

Further reading

→ All boat school cities → Learn SBF Inland with BoatPass → Learn SBF Coastal with BoatPass → What does the boat licence cost? → SBF exam: how theory and practice work → All German boating licences at a glance

Ready for your exam?

Download BoatPass for free and start studying with the official question catalog today.

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