SBF Binnen under Sail: Exam, Sailing Questions 254–300, Supplementary Exam
The Sportbootführerschein Binnen (SBF Binnen, inland boating licence) under sail is the sailing variant of the official inland licence. It is required on inland waterways wherever a licence is mandatory for sailing boats – for example on the Berlin waters – and is in many places a prerequisite for chartering sailing boats. The exam uses the same official ELWIS catalogue as the motor licence, supplemented by the specific sailing questions (nos. 254–300).
Last updated: 14 September 2026
When do I need the sailing licence?
Nationwide, the sport boat licence is not generally mandatory for sailing boats on inland waterways; the requirement arises from the respective navigation regulations, for example on the Berlin state waters. Regardless of that, most charter companies and clubs require the licence, and the Sportbootführerscheinverordnung treats it as a separate type of propulsion: the licence can be obtained on its own (sail only), together with the motor licence (one combined question paper) or as a supplement to an existing SBF Binnen with engine. The minimum age is 14; for the engine licence it remains 16.
The question papers in detail
The official assessment key (as of 31.10.2022) distinguishes several papers:
- Engine and sail in one exam: 37 questions – 7 basic questions (at least 5 correct), 23 specific inland questions (at least 18) and 7 sailing questions (at least 5) – in 60 minutes. Each threshold applies on its own.
- Sail only: 25 questions – 4 basic questions, 14 inland questions, 7 sailing questions – in 35 minutes; passed with at least 20 points in total.
- Supplementary sailing exam for holders of the SBF Binnen with engine: only the 7 sailing questions, at least 5 correct, 15 minutes.
- Anyone who holds the SBF See answers 21 questions for the sailing licence (14 inland + 7 sailing, 35 minutes, at least 17 points).
ScheinFit simulates the combined paper (37 questions, 60 minutes) and the supplementary sailing exam according to exactly these rules.
What the sailing questions cover
The 47 sailing questions deal with the specifics of sailing: right-of-way and give-way rules between sailing vessels (windward and leeward, port and starboard tack), conduct towards power-driven vessels and commercial shipping, sail trim, tacking and gybing, capsizing and man overboard under sail, weather and wind, as well as safety-related equipment. The catalogue gives the text of every question and its four answers; in the catalogue answer a is always correct, in the exam the answers are shuffled.
Practical exam
The exam under sail includes a practical exam under SpFV Anlage 4 with sailing manoeuvres (casting off and mooring under sail, tacking, gybing, heaving to, man overboard) and knots. Theory and practical can be taken with different examination boards and on different days, but must be passed within one year.
Preparation with ScheinFit
ScheinFit lists the SBF Binnen under sail as a separate product with all 300 catalogue questions (basic, inland, sailing), translations under every question, explanations, review of mistakes and an offline package. Anyone taking only the supplementary exam practises the sailing questions 254–300 specifically and simulates the 7-question exam.
Matching catalogues in the app
SBF Binnen under sail
The inland licence for sailing boats: basic questions, specific inland questions and the sailing questions 254–300 of the official catalogue – as an add-on to the motor licence or on its own.
- Basic questions≥ 5 / 7
- Specific inland questions≥ 18 / 23
- Specific sailing questions≥ 5 / 7