Slovakia

Who issues it: Dopravný úrad [Transport Authority] for inland licences. Ministerstvo dopravy Slovenskej republiky [Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic] for seagoing licences.
Minimum age: 15 years
Collision rules: Dohovor o medzinárodných pravidlách na zabránenie zrážkam na mori (COLREG)

Do you need a licence?

Inland small craft need a licence at ≥4 kW, >12 m² sail or >1,000 kg loaded; otherwise none. Listed displacement-only rentals ≤15 km/h are exempt at 18+ on designated unmonitored waters. Slovak-flag sea pleasure craft need a skipper certificate; private yachts >24 m and <500 registered tons use crew certificates.

Vodca malého plavidla kategórie A · Small-craft skipper, category A
From 15
What it lets you do
Inland motor craft, 4–20 kW; normally under 20 m hull length and at most 12 passengers.
How you get it
Electronic multiple-choice test: 28 questions, 40 minutes, pass 24/28; practical handling and safety exam.
Where to study
Study it in Academy
Vodca malého plavidla kategórie B · Small-craft skipper, category B
From 18
What it lets you do
Inland small motor craft over 20 kW. Requires passing category A.
How you get it
Electronic add-on to A: 7 questions, 10 minutes, pass 6/7; practical handling exam.
Where to study
Study it in Academy
Vodca malého plavidla kategórie C · Small-craft skipper, category C
From 18
What it lets you do
Inland small sailing craft with sail area over 12 m². Requires passing category A.
How you get it
Electronic add-on to A: 7 questions, 10 minutes, pass 6/7; practical sailing and handling exam.
Where to study
Study it in Academy
Vodca malého plavidla kategórie D · Small-craft skipper, category D
From 18
What it lets you do
Inland small craft without their own mechanical propulsion, intended to carry people, with loaded mass over 1,000 kg.
How you get it
Electronic multiple-choice test: 28 questions, 40 minutes, pass 24/28; practical on the relevant waterway.
Where to study
Study it in Academy
Veliteľ rekreačného plavidla pobrežnej plavby (stupeň C) · Coastal pleasure-craft skipper, grade C
From 18
What it lets you do
Sea pleasure craft >2.5 m and <24 m, ≤12 aboard; within 12 nm of shore. Departure wind ≤Beaufort 4. Propulsion as endorsed.
How you get it
Written and oral theory; each written subject ≤45 minutes. Pass all subjects and an instructor-led practical, usually at sea.
Where to study
Study it in Academy
Veliteľ rekreačného plavidla morskej plavby (stupeň B) · Sea-going pleasure-craft skipper, grade B
From 18
What it lets you do
Sea pleasure craft >2.5 m and <24 m, ≤12 aboard; within 200 nm of shore. Propulsion as endorsed. Requires grade C.
How you get it
Written and oral theory; each written subject ≤45 minutes. Pass every subject. Upgrade needs documented sea service.
Where to study
Study it in Academy
Veliteľ rekreačného plavidla oceánskej plavby (stupeň A) · Ocean-going pleasure-craft skipper, grade A
From 18
What it lets you do
Sea pleasure craft >2.5 m and <24 m, ≤12 aboard; no distance limit. Propulsion as endorsed. Requires grade B.
How you get it
Written and oral theory; each written subject ≤45 minutes. Pass every subject. Upgrade needs documented sea service.
Where to study
Study it in Academy
Prvý palubný dôstojník námornej jachty · Sea-yacht chief mate
What it lets you do
Private sea yachts >24 m, <500 registered tons, ≤12 passengers. May skipper in areas II/III (within 200/20 nm); chief mate without area limits.
Where to study
Study it in Academy
Veliteľ námornej jachty · Sea-yacht master
What it lets you do
Private sea yachts >24 m, <500 registered tons, ≤12 passengers. May skipper without area limits.
Where to study
Study it in Academy