Everything you want to know about the upcoming revolution of the “boating license,” the D1-category boating license, introduced by the new Boating Regulations, strongly advocated by Confindustria Nautica: here’s how it works with limits, procedures, time and costs.
How is it achieved?
The new D1 category license is obtained following attendance at a training course, supplemented by practical exercises in navigation and motor maneuvering, as well as passing a final proficiency quiz test.
So there won’t be a practical exam?
No, the license only involves a theoretical quiz exam, but practical exercises will be mandatory.
What engines will I be able to use with the new D1 category?
All those below 85 kW (115.6 hp) with maximum displacement depending on the type:
| Max displacement | Cycle | Suction | Type |
| 1900 | 2T | Natural | Outboard |
| 2400 cc | 4T | Natural | |
| 1500 cc | 4T | Supercharged | |
| 1700 cc | 4T | Natural | Inboard gasoline |
| 1200 cc | 4T | Supercharged | |
| 2400 cc | Diesel | Natural | Inboard diesel |
| 2000 cc | Diesel | Supercharged | |
| 1000 cc | 2T | Natural | Watercraft |
| 1700 cc | 4T | Natural | |
| 1200 cc | 4T | Supercharged | |
| Max power ≤ 85 kW (115.6 hp) | |||
What are the limitations of the patent?
From age 16 to 18 will be allowed to drive only watercraft and jet skis, from 18 will be able to qualify to command boats up to 12 meters, exclusively in daytime navigation within 6 miles of the coast (1 mile for jet skis).
So it’s not just for 16-year-olds?
No, it is for everyone. But for the first time from the age of 16, you will be able to drive watercraft over 40 hp and jet skis.
What are the topics of the course?
Confindustria Nautica would like to remind us that this will not be a simplification at the expense of safety. The subjects will be covered in the same depth, only the parts of the program not related to the purpose of the license, such as night navigation, maritime signaling, and meteorology, will be cut.
How long will the course last?
There are 5 hours of lectures and 5 hours of sailing and maneuvering tests.
Yes, but how much does it cost?
Annex A of Decree No. 142 of 08/30/2023 sets the cost of the D1 license at €700, compared to €1,100 for the category A license within 12 miles. Clearly, each school will have its own rates, but this tells us that it is safe to expect savings of about 40 percent compared to the “cheapest” license currently on the market.
Does it have to be done through nautical schools?
No, lectures and practical exercises can also be conducted at CINs, Centers for Nautical Education, at which you will also take the quiz exam.
Is it possible to do this even as a private student?
Yes, by independently preparing the theory and taking the quiz exam at the DMV, producing certification of the practical tests taken at the CIN or a Nautical School.
How long will it take?
Since the D1 license does not involve a practical test or the presence of a CP Officer, one does not have to wait for the Captain’s calendar, shortening the time compared to the cycle required to obtain the classic A license.
What will the quizzes be about?
The quiz database is expected to be the same as the one currently used for the A license, obviously purged of questions on topics not covered by the course. The final decision is still being discussed at the Ministry, but it seems that the theory test will have fewer quizzes than the traditional one.
When I turn 18, will I be able to get a Category A license more easily?
Those who have a D1 license may subsequently obtain a Category A (“within” or “beyond” 12 miles) boating license by taking a supplementary theory exam on topics not included in the training course and a practical navigation test.
And for driving without a license, does it change anything?
No, all units to date that can be driven without a boat license remain so.
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