Germany's waterways are subject to the terms of the law governing inland shipping (Binnenschifffahrtsstrassen-Ordnung) and the law governing regional shipping (Landesschifffahrtsordnung), which can be consulted at www.elwis.de.
Speed limits
The speed limit for motorised leisure craft on lakes and similar waters in Germany is 25km per hour. The limit is normally 9km per hour on canals and 12km per hour on rivers. Please note: many rivers, lakes and canals have rules of their own.
In Germany, a leisure craft licence is valid for motor boats and sailing boats. A special regulation applies to tourists from abroad: people resident outside Germany who are staying in the country for less than 12 months must hold a licence to pilot a boat in their home country.
More details are available from:
ADAC e.V. Border traffic & leisure boating
Phone: + 49 (0) 89/ 7 67 60
Website: www.adac.de/sportschiffahrt
German Motoryachting Association
Phone: + 49 (0) 203/ 80 95 80
Website: www.dmyv.de
