Norway’s boating safety concerns rise as experts call for mandatory practical training

In Norway, it is possible to obtain certification to operate a boat without ever boarding one, a fact that raises concerns among boating experts. Stig Hvide Smith, General Secretary of the Royal Norwegian Boat Federation, argues that practical training should be mandatory for all motorboat operators. He emphasizes that it is insufficient to rely solely on theoretical knowledge to navigate a boat safely.

Currently, only operators of boats and personal watercraft that exceed speeds of 50 knots (91 kilometers per hour) are required to possess a so-called high-speed certificate, which mandates practical experience regardless of the operator’s age. For motorboat operators born in 1980 or later, a simple theoretical exam suffices to obtain a boating license, while those born before 1980 can operate motorboats without taking any formal examination.

Tragically, the issue of safe boating is underscored by a worrying increase in fatalities. As of 2024, 24 lives have been lost in boating accidents, while the entire previous year recorded 23 deaths, and 2022 was particularly devastating with 34 fatalities.

The Boat Federation has called on authorities to implement practical requirements for motorboat drivers, asserting that many speed-related accidents could be avoided with better training. Smith insists that experience is crucial for improving safety on the water, akin to driving a car.

Despite these concerns, Norway’s Maritime Directorate has no immediate plans to introduce mandatory practical lessons for obtaining boating licenses. They plan to evaluate the current framework, which was designed to be accessible and encourage more individuals to undertake boating tests, focusing primarily on understanding the rules of navigation rather than practical skills. They advise new boat buyers to not only take the boating exam but also familiarize themselves with their vessels.