Hiring a boat on Lake Constance: which licence do you need?

Lake Constance, the Bodensee, sits between Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and the three countries share one set of navigation rules for it. Visitors who plan to hire a boat for a day or a week notice this first when it comes to the licence: anyone in charge of a motor boat with more than 4.4 kW of engine power, or a sailing boat with more than 12 square metres of sail, needs the Bodensee skipper's licence. Smaller boats under those limits, such as electric launches, rowing boats and small dinghies, are often available to hire without any licence at all.

For anything larger the hire company will want to see the Bodensee licence in the right category, as motor and sail are separate. An ICC, an RYA Day Skipper or a national licence that works elsewhere in Europe is normally not accepted on the lake. Depending on the shore there may be temporary arrangements for holiday visitors, such as a short term permit; whether one applies to your boat and harbour is something the hire company and the local authority can tell you. Ask the company in writing which licence it needs for the boat you want before you book.

On the water, weather and shoreline matter most. Storm warning lights around the lake flash slowly for a strong wind warning and quickly for a storm warning, and small boats should then head for the nearest harbour. Thunderstorms and the foehn wind can bring strong gusts with very little notice. Keep clear of swimming areas, reed beds and the nature reserves marked along the shore. The hired boat is normally insured by the company, but you remain personally liable for damage you cause to others, so it makes sense to check your own skipper liability insurance before you go.

Worth remembering

On Lake Constance the boat's power decides the licence, not the certificate already in your wallet.