- 12 mMaximum hull length at seaWater Tourism Regulation, section 5
- 2 nautical milesMaximum distance from shore outside internal sea watersWater Tourism Regulation, section 5
- DaylightRequired for sailing at seaWater Tourism Regulation, section 5
- From 14Minimum age to take the examWater Tourism Regulation, sections 14 to 17
- 75 questionsWritten testWater Tourism Regulation, section 17
- 250 PLNStandard examination feeWater Tourism Regulation, section 22
Poland · Polish Yachting Association (PZŻ)What is the Polish sailing licence?
The Patent żeglarza jachtowego is Poland's entry-level sailing licence, issued by the Polish Yachting Association (PZŻ). It is for sailing yachts; motor yachts require the separate motorboat licence, with its own exam and application.
Your cruising groundWhere you can sail
On inland waters, this licence has no stated hull-length or day-and-night restriction for sailing yachts. The sea permission is more focused, as the diagram shows.
One useful detail
- A sailing yacht may have auxiliary mechanical propulsion
A separate qualification is needed for
- Skippering a motor yacht
Before you bookWho can apply
You can take the exam from age 14. No previous licence or logged sea time is required, but you must still demonstrate the sailing skills assessed in the practical exam. A preparation course is optional, and PZŻ's application checklist does not list a medical certificate.
Bring to a PZŻ exam
- Photo identification and proof of payment
- A valid pupil or student card if you are claiming the reduced fee
- Written parental consent if you are a minor
From preparation to patentHow to get it
- Prepare for the exam
Study independently or choose optional training. Work through the official sailing syllabus so you are ready for the written and practical parts.
- Book your exam
Choose an exam run by PZŻ or another body authorised by the minister. For a PZŻ exam, register and pay at least 12 hours beforehand.
- Pass both parts
Complete the written test and practical assessment, then keep the original examination pass certificate.
- Apply to PZŻ
Send the signed application, original pass certificate, a 3.5 × 4.5 cm photograph, proof of payment, proof that you qualify for the discount where needed, and parental or legal-guardian consent for a minor.
- Receive your patent
PZŻ allows up to 30 days to process your application after receiving your documents.
Written and practicalExam format and pass mark
| Part | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Written test | 75 multiple-choice questions, one correct answer each |
| Time allowed | 90 minutes |
| Pass mark | At least 65 correct answers |
| Topics | Navigation, yacht handling, safety, weather and sailing rules |
| Practical assessment | Handling under sail and power, plus practical skills |
The practical can include sail selection, meeting and overtaking, tacking and gybing, buoy and quay approaches, person overboard, anchoring and mooring, crew work, knots and onboard systems. Examiners choose the tasks; every selected element must be completed correctly, with one chance to repeat an incorrectly performed element.
Published PZŻ ratesExam and licence fees
The exam and licence issue fees add up to 300 PLN, or 150 PLN with the pupil or student discount. Delivery costs extra unless you collect the licence from PZŻ.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination | 250 PLN |
| Examination for qualifying pupils and students | 125 PLN |
| Licence issue | 50 PLN |
| Licence issue for qualifying pupils and students | 25 PLN |
| Collection at the PZŻ office | 0 PLN |
| Domestic economy post | 12 PLN |
| International economy post | 30 PLN |
| Domestic courier | 27 PLN |
The statutory 50% reduction is for qualifying pupils and students up to age 26. PZŻ asks for a valid pupil or student card.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if
- You want to start sailing from age 14
- You want the flexibility to prepare independently or take an optional course
- Your plans are inland sailing or daylight coastal trips at sea
Look further if
- You want to sail a motor yacht
- You plan to sail at sea at night
- You want to sail a yacht over 12 m at sea
For night sailing at sea, yachts over 12 m at sea or trips beyond the permitted coastal range, check the requirements for a higher sailing qualification.
Topics you can practise here
Free practice questions
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Practice questions (with answers)
In IALA Region A, the port-hand mark colour is:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Red, usually can-shaped
Region A: port-hand red, starboard-hand green. Region B: port-hand green, starboard-hand red. Interpret both in the charted conventional direction of buoyage.
Five or more short and rapid blasts mean:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Doubt or danger — the intentions of the other vessel are not understood
Rule 34(d): at least five short and rapid blasts indicate doubt about whether sufficient action is being taken.
A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water in fog sounds:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Two prolonged blasts in succession at intervals of not more than 2 minutes
Rule 35(b): two prolonged blasts in succession at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
A masthead light shows over an arc of:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 225 degrees
Rule 21(a): masthead light shows over an arc of 225 degrees from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on each side.
For a vessel of 50m or more, the masthead light must be visible at:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 6 nautical miles
Rule 22: masthead light of vessels 50m+ must be visible at a minimum of 6 nautical miles.
The topmark of a West Cardinal mark is:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Two cones point to point
Two separate black cones with their points facing each other. The cones must remain clearly separated.
You are entering a river where the chart shows the conventional direction of buoyage is upstream from the sea entrance. What should determine whether a lateral mark is port-hand or starboard-hand?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. The charted conventional direction of buoyage
Lateral marks are interpreted in the conventional direction of buoyage. The chart, not guesswork, determines which side is port-hand and which is starboard-hand.
You sight a cardinal mark with both cones pointing down and a light showing six quick flashes followed by one long flash. What is the safe action?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Pass south of the mark
Two cones down and the 6+1 light rhythm identify a South Cardinal mark, meaning the safe water lies to the south of the mark.
The full guide
The Patent żeglarza jachtowego lets you skipper sailing yachts on inland waters, including a yacht with an auxiliary engine. At sea, it allows sailing yachts up to 12 m on internal sea waters, or elsewhere within 2 nautical miles of shore in daylight.
The written exam has 75 multiple-choice questions, with 65 correct answers needed to pass, plus a practical assessment. Here you can practise COLREG rules, IALA buoyage, lights and shapes, and sound signals. Study navigation, yacht handling, safety, meteorology and the rest of the syllabus with the official material.
Who can take the Polish sailing exam
You can take the exam from age 14. No previous licence or logged sea time is required, and a preparation course is optional.
How to get the Patent żeglarza jachtowego
Prepare for the written and practical exam using the official syllabus; a course is optional. Choose an exam held by PZŻ or another body authorised by the Minister, and for a PZŻ exam register and pay at least 12 hours before it. Pass both parts, then apply to PZŻ with your signed application, original pass certificate, photograph and proof of payment.
Polish sailing licence questions
- Can a minor apply for this sailing licence?
- Yes, from age 14. A minor needs written consent from a parent or legal guardian for the exam and patent application.
- Do I need a medical certificate?
- PZŻ’s patent-application checklist does not list a medical certificate.
- What happens if I fail the exam?
- You must retake the exam in full and pay another examination fee.
- What are the official fees?
- The exam and patent-issue fees add up to 300 PLN, or 150 PLN with the pupil or student discount. Delivery costs extra unless you collect the patent from PZŻ.
- How long can PZŻ take to issue the patent?
- PZŻ allows up to 30 days to process your application after receiving your documents.
- Can I use this Polish sailing licence abroad?
- There is no automatic EU-wide recognition. Check the rules of the country where you plan to sail.
Other exams
Reviewed by Ramon Curto, Nautical teacher at IECNPC · Last reviewed: