EU study supports mutual recognition of boating licences
The EU Commission has published a study on the mutual recognition of boating licences, addressing longstanding concerns about fragmented requirements for recreational boating licences in Europe.
The European Boating Industry (EBI), which represents the recreational boating industry in Europe, is supporting the development of the study, and has been contributing expertise and participation across its network.
The study’s findings highlight how the absence of mutual recognition affects boaters, charter operators, marinas and training organisations by creating practical and administrative challenges that limit mobility and slow the expansion of nautical tourism. It notes that increased nautical tourism benefits the wider boating sector by supporting companies and jobs. The study recommends adopting mandatory mutual recognition of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) to simplify cross‑border boating, improve safety and reduce administrative complexity.
In a statement, EBI says it welcomes the recommendations and is urging policymakers to prioritise the issue by introducing EU‑wide measures for licence recognition. According to the organisation, such changes are important for enhancing the experience of Europe’s estimated 48m recreational boaters and strengthening the sector’s competitiveness.
Marina Palumbo Cardella, project & policy officer at EBI, says: “This study confirms what our sector has experienced for many years. The lack of mutual recognition of boating licences creates barriers for users and industry alike. Adopting mutual recognition of the ICC is the most practical and achievable way forward. We now look to the EU institutions to champion this initiative and help deliver a modern, user-friendly system for Europe’s boaters.”
EBI states that it plans to continue engaging in the initiative to improve clarity for users and support a harmonised approach to safe and accessible boating across Europe.
The marine sector in Europe consists of around 32,000 companies, mainly SMEs, employing more than 280,000 people directly.
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