For course instructors

Feedback on the boating exam

Questions or feedback about the content of the boating exam can be sent by e-mail to post@sdir.no. Mark the e-mail with "feedback on the boating exam".

I want to hold a course for the boating exam

In order to be issued a boating license, the only requirement is that the candidate has passed the boating exam – a theoretical test stipulated in accordance with guidelines from the Norwegian Maritime Authority. There is no requirement for a course before taking the test, and on this basis, there are no requirements for course centres/individuals  who hold courses in preparation for the boating exam test, nor for the course instructor.

You are therefore free to hold courses for the boating exam.

The question database that forms the basis for the boating exam has been created on the basis of a reading list prepared by the Norwegian Maritime Authority. Course instructors must therefore use the reading list as a starting point when preparing courses. 

See the reading list for the boat driving test

I want to become an approved test center

Norsk Test AS operates the boating exam for the Norwegian Maritime Authority and is responsible for issuing boating licenses and approval of test centres for the boating exam.

In order to be approved as a test center for the boating exam, you must therefore apply for approval from Norsk Test. Among other things, there are requirements for course rooms, access to computers and the organization in order to become an approved test center.

Read more about how to become a test center (norsktest.no)

School maps for use in teaching

Maps for use in teaching can be downloaded here.

Tjøme (A), Flåvær (B), Nærøysundet (C) and Tjeldsundet (D) are maps that are used in connection with the boating exam.
NB! The school maps that are available on the Norwegian Mapping Authority's website must not be used for the boating exam.

How is the length of the boat defined?

Length is defined as the length of the hull (LH) according to NS-EN ISO 8666 Small vessels – Main data. Hull length is the distance between two vertical lines that cut through the fore and aft parts of the hull when the vessel is in correct trim on the water, cf. the waterline. There is nothing to prevent the fore or aft part of the hull from being under water.

Hull length (LH) includes all structural and solid components of the vessel, such as wood, plastic, or metal bows or stern. The length excludes parts that can be dismantled without causing damage or affecting the structural intactness of the vessel, such as rigging, bowsprit, pulpit at both ends of the vessel, fittings on stern and bow, rudders, sterndrives, outboards with mounting brackets, plates and the like, diving platforms, bathing platforms, fenders and planks. The length does not exclude removable parts of the hull that act as hydrostatic or dynamic support when the vessel is stationary or underway.

Guidelines for the boating exam

Here you will find the guidelines for the boat driving test (pdf)