01
The sentence that settles it.
The implementing guidelines (Durchführungsrichtlinien) put it in so many words: “Seemeilen müssen vor der Zulassung zur praktischen Prüfung nachgewiesen werden.” – nautical miles must be evidenced before admission to the practical examination.
To the practical examination. Not to the theory examination. The official application form (Antragsformular) keeps the two admissions neatly apart in the same way.
Primary sourceNo. 1 and Annex 4 of the SKS implementing guidelines (ELWIS)
02
Why this changes your planning.
If you bring the theory forward, you can study and sit the examination over the winter – and then use the whole season for collecting miles, instead of spending it on chartwork exercises.
There is a deadline, though: theory and practice must both be passed within 24 months, otherwise the examination as a whole counts as failed. So if you take the theory in January, you have two summers for your miles and the practical.
Primary sourceNo. 7.3 of the SKS implementing guidelines (ELWIS)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does a passed theory examination remain valid?
Theory and practice must both be passed within 24 months. If that period is exceeded, the examination as a whole counts as failed.
How soon may I resit an examination I have failed?
After four weeks at the earliest. The guidelines state this period expressly; many advice pages do not mention it.
