Two numbers decide almost everything: 6 nautical miles from shore and 30 kW of engine power. Below those thresholds, Italian law asks for no licence. Here is what the rules say, and what you still need on board.
The rule
Article 39 of the Italian recreational boating code lists the cases where a boating licence is compulsory. Outside those cases, none is needed.
Six nautical miles are a little over 11 kilometres. Beyond that distance a licence is compulsory, whatever engine is fitted.
Thirty kilowatts equal 40.8 metric horsepower. Above that output a licence is required even close to shore, and the engine displacement limits set by the code still apply.
For personal watercraft a licence is always compulsory: neither engine output nor distance from shore makes any difference.
The limits
Stay within these values and you may drive a recreational craft in Italy without a boating licence.
| Maximum distance from shore | 6 nautical miles |
|---|---|
| Maximum engine output | 30 kW (40.8 metric hp) |
| Type of craft | Small craft: hull up to 10 metres |
| Minimum age of the driver | 18 years |
| Personal watercraft | Licence always compulsory |
| Legal reference | Art. 39, Italian Legislative Decree 171/2005 |
Besides output, the code also sets displacement limits that differ by engine type — 1,000 cc for four-stroke outboards, for instance. You will find that figure in the engine handbook, and it should be checked alongside the output.
Careful
A licence is only one of the requirements. Even when it is not needed, the others remain.
That is the minimum age to drive a motorised recreational craft, licence or no licence.
Third-party liability cover is compulsory for every motorised recreational craft. Going out without it is an offence, not an oversight.
A lifejacket for everyone on board, plus the equipment required by how far from shore you go: the further out, the longer the list.
In practice
They were designed for exactly this: giving access to the sea to people who hold no licence.
With the 40 hp outboard it stays below 30 kW and needs no licence. The livelier 60 hp version does require a boating licence.
See the spec sheet →
It takes 5 hp at most, so it is always within the limits and anyone may drive it. It inflates in a quarter of an hour and packs into two bags.
See the spec sheet →Frequently asked questions
Up to 30 kW, that is 40.8 metric hp. What counts is the output of the engine fitted: a 40 hp outboard stays below the limit, a 50 hp one does not.
Up to 6 nautical miles, a little over 11 kilometres. Beyond that limit a licence is always required, whatever the engine output.
Yes, always. For personal watercraft a boating licence is compulsory regardless of engine output and distance from shore.
Eighteen years of age to drive a motorised recreational craft, even where a licence is not required.
Yes. Third-party liability cover is compulsory for every motorised recreational craft, whether or not a licence is required.
The Senjoy 365 can, in the 40 hp version, which stays below 30 kW; with the 60 hp engine a licence is required. The Katty 450 takes 5 hp at most, so it always needs no licence.