No special training is required to operate a recreational boat less than 12 metres long and four metres wide. But every operator of a recreational boat is subject to the provisions of the Swedish Maritime Code (Ch.1 §9 and Ch. 6 §2), which states among else that all vessels must be safely manned and that operators (masters) who fail to exhibit good seamanship may be sentenced to a fine or even imprisonment.
If the boat is larger than 12 x 4 metres, the master must have a Swedish Master’s Certificate or a degree from a nautical programme at maritime college or other training as determined by the Swedish Maritime Administration.
The Swedish Council for the Education and Training of Yachtsmen (NFB):
Don’t let lack of knowledge get in the way of your dreams. The right knowledge opens the doors to richer, safer recreational boating.
Certificate of Competence
Provides you with basic skills in navigation, sea sense and safety. The course covers hands-on work with navigational charts and methods, rules of the road at sea, light signals, seamanship and safety awareness. Most insurance companies give discounts on boat insurance if you hold a Certificate of Competence.
Coastal Skipper Certificate
Advanced Certificate of Competence. Gives you advanced skills in navigation, night navigation, variation and deviation. The Coastal Skipper Certificate authorises you to sail recreational ships, i.e., craft larger than 12 x 4 metres.
Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate
Continuation of the Coastal Skipper Certificate course. Learn to plan a long voyage along the continents. Tides, foreign charts, customs regulations, rivers and canals are a few of the subjects covered.
Boat Mechanic Certificate
Gives you the knowledge you need to take care of your motor and independently resolve many techical problems onboard. Training covers inboard and outboard motors, petrol and diesel operation, the motor’s electrical system and other equipment.
Boat Handling Certificate
Important training for those who have craft capable of speeds above 25 knots. Provides the skills needed to handle fast boats safely, for yourself and others. Trimming and power trimming, driving techniques in high seas and through swells, boat equipment and personal safety equipment are a few of the subjects covered.
Radar Certificate for Recreational Craft
For people who want to be able to navigate in congested waters and in poor visibility. The goal of the course is to increase understanding of the use of radar on recreational craft and reduce the risk of accidents when navigating by radar. Practical and theoretical exams are given.
ICC Inland Certificate
Currently required to be allowed to navigate the inland waterways of Europe. Provides knowledge of special aids to navigation and dayshapes that apply in canals. Combined with the Certificate of Competence and Boating Practice, the Inland Certificate authorises you to sail European waterways.
Sailing Certificates 1, 2 and 3
Sailing instruction on three levels. Sailing Certificate 1 provides basic skills in sailing, terminology and seamanship. Level 2 provides intermediate skills and teaches you to get more speed out of the boat. Once you have earned the Sailing Certificate 2, you will know “almost everything”.
Maritime Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence
Available at three levels. The VHF certificate (SRC - Short Range Certificate) is required to be permitted to use a VHF device – the safest way for a recreational boat owner to call for help in an emergency.
The MF and HF certificates (LRC - Long Range Certificate) also give you the right to use devices within the MF and HF bands, which is important if you are planning to go out to sea beyond the range of VHF telephone.