Motorboat licence in Poland — when do you need one for a RIB?
One of the most common questions when buying a boat: do I need a licence? The answer depends above all on the outboard’s power. Below are the rules that apply in Poland.
When you do not need a licence
Without a motorboat licence (patent motorowodny) you may drive a boat with an outboard of up to 10 kW, about 13.6 HP. In practice that means a 9.9 HP outboard — the most powerful one within the limit. The limit comes from Article 37a of the Polish Inland Navigation Act (ustawa o żegludze śródlądowej) and the regulation on water tourism.
The exemption for yachts up to 13 m and 75 kW applies only to craft whose speed is limited by design to 15 km/h. RIBs with outboards do not qualify.
When you need a licence
When the outboard has more than 10 kW. The same RIBs often take much more powerful outboards — for example the S370 N up to 30 HP and the S470 N up to 70 HP — but then the helmsman must hold a motorboat licence.
Which GRAND boats need no licence
The smallest Silver Line RIBs with a 9.9 HP outboard get on the plane with two or three people:
- S275 — from 12 400 zł, with an outboard from 16 500 zł
- S300 — from 14 078 zł
- S330 — from 15 165 zł, with a 9.9 HP outboard from 27 665 zł
- S370 N — from 20 257 zł
All models and a short summary of the rules are on the Licence-free boats page.
Registering a boat
Registration is not required for boats up to 7.5 m with an outboard up to 15 kW (about 20 HP) — it is then voluntary and useful, for example, when travelling abroad. A boat longer than 7.5 m or with an outboard above 15 kW must be registered; the register is kept in the national REJA24 system.
How to get the licence
The motorboat licence is obtained after training and an exam. Check the current rules, requirements and exam dates with training providers and the sports association that runs the exams. Before going to sea, also check the rules for the specific waters — additional limits may apply, for example on the distance from the shore.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence for a RIB with a 9.9 HP outboard?
No, 9.9 HP is within the 10 kW limit.
Do I need a licence for a RIB with a 15 HP outboard?
Yes, 15 HP is more than 10 kW.
Can I buy a boat without a licence and add a more powerful outboard later?
Yes — many RIBs take outboards from 9.9 HP up to several dozen HP. You can use the more powerful outboard once you have the licence.
