The current state of recreational boating licenses in the EU is marked by fragmentation and inconsistency, creating widespread challenges for both boaters and businesses across Europe. A recent study commissioned by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) highlights the need for action—and the most effective way forward.

Despite the EU's commitment to the free movement of people and services, national discrepancies in licensing standards persist. These differences—ranging from medical certificate requirements to inland/coastal water distinctions—have resulted in a confusing, bureaucratic, and inefficient licensing landscape. For businesses, particularly charter companies, rental services, and marinas, the lack of mutual recognition across Member States adds significant operational burdens and limits cross-border growth opportunities. For boaters, uncertainty around whether their license will be accepted abroad continues to hinder mobility and access. In return, this is a barrier for businesses

The study identified three possible policy paths to address these regulatory challenges:

1. Policy option 1 – Maintain the Status Quo: retaining the current fragmented system would continue to obstruct cross-border navigation, hamper economic activity, and fail to meet the EU's broader goals of market integration. It offers no long-term solution.

2. Policy Option 2 – Mutual Recognition of ICC Certificates: this is the most practical and politically feasible solution. It proposes an EU directive requiring Member States to mutually recognize the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) issued under UNECE Resolution No. 40. It is a standardised, internationally recognised proof of competency for recreational boat operators. This would streamline licensing recognition, reduce administrative burdens, and enable boaters and businesses to operate more freely across borders.

3. Policy Option 3 – Full EU-Wide Licensing Harmonisation: while this approach could bring comprehensive long-term benefits through standardised training and certification, the political, legal, practical and administrative hurdles are considerable. Countries without mandatory licensing systems, or with deeply embedded national standards, are unlikely to support such far-reaching change in the near future.

As the voice of the recreational boating industry in Europe, EBI welcomes the findings of this study and reaffirms its support for Policy Option 2, the mutual recognition of licenses through the full application of UNECE Resolution 40. This position is also reflected in EBI’s policy manifesto, where harmonisation and reduction of red tape are highlighted as key priorities for the sector’s sustainable growth. ICC would provide the strongest legal clarity, enhance safety through consistent standards, and unlock new opportunities for nautical tourism, skills development, and innovation.

The full study will be published soon on the Commission’s website.