Starting from the 1st of May 2010, you will need a boating licence to operate a boat exceeding 8 meters in length and /or if the engine is 25Hp or more in Norwegian waters. However the rule does not apply if you were born prior to the 1st of January 1980.

If you have a foreign boating licence this will be valid, provided it has information in English. In addition you need a print of the syllabus for comparison with the Norwegian standards for the boating licence.

The punishment for operation a boat without the above mentioned licence carries an on the spot fine of 5000 NOK, and the loss of the right to obtain a boating licence for one year.

- We will not stop anyone to check (for a licence), but anyone stopped by the harbour Police will be checked for necessary papers, and we will talk with many. If the are under 30, and do not have a boating licence, they will be reported, said Superintendent Roar Isaksen of the Harbour Police to the Norwegian boating magazine “Båtliv” before the weekend. (VG)