01
The requirement, word for word.
Admission to the SKS examination is granted to anyone who holds the Sportbootführerschein See (SBF See, the German recreational boating licence for coastal waters) and can prove at least 300 nautical miles on sailing yachts with an auxiliary engine in coastal waters.
The application has to be on file at least 14 days before the examination date. At least ten candidates must sit the theory examination, and at least five the practical examination.
Primary sourceNo. 1 and Annex 4 (Anlage 4) of the SKS implementation guidelines (Durchführungsrichtlinien SKS, ELWIS)
02
A contradiction hardly anyone mentions.
The official application form (Annex 4) asks for 300 nautical miles “in coastal waters after obtaining the Sportbootführerschein See” (“im Küstenbereich nach Erwerb des Sportbootführerscheines-See”). That restriction appears neither in § 6 SportSeeSchV (the German ordinance on recreational sea-going craft) nor in No. 1 of the guidelines themselves.
Large advice sites write that miles sailed before the SBF See are recognised – without mentioning the form. We consider it dishonest to present either reading as settled: the official documents contradict each other on this point.
If a relevant share of your miles was sailed before the SBF See, clarify this in writing before you apply, with the examination board (Prüfungsausschuss) you will be sitting with. In case of doubt, a confirmation by email is worth more than any advice site.
Primary sourceAnnex 4 of the SKS implementation guidelines (ELWIS) against § 6 SportSeeSchV
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do nautical miles I sailed before the SBF See count?
This is not clearly settled. The official application form asks for the miles sailed “after obtaining the Sportbootführerschein See”; the ordinance and the text of the guidelines do not contain that restriction. Clarify it in writing with the responsible examination board before you submit the application.
Do I already need the 300 nautical miles for the theory examination?
No. The guidelines state expressly: “Nautical miles must be proven before admission to the practical examination.” So you can sit the theory examination beforehand.
