SeaMemo
Swiss offshore licence: how to log your sea miles properly
The Swiss offshore licence (Hochseeausweis) requires real sea miles, real days at sea and proof in the official sea time booklet. Here is how many miles count and when, which waters are accepted and how to document your trips so the booklet adds up.
How many sea miles do you need?
For the Swiss offshore licence (issued on behalf of the Swiss Maritime Navigation Office) the required experience depends on the propulsion:
| Propulsion | Time at sea | Days at sea | Sea miles | After the theory exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sailing yacht | 3 weeks | at least 18 days | 1,000 nm | at least 700 nm (max. 300 before) |
| Motor yacht | 2 weeks | at least 10 days | 500 nm | at least 400 nm (max. 100 before) |
So part of the experience may come before the theory exam, but most of it must follow. Reduced values apply for extending an existing licence (sail: plus 10 days and 500 nm). The examining bodies CCS and SYA provide the authoritative information.
Four year window: experience counts if it was sailed within 4 calendar years before to 4 calendar years after the passed theory exam. Collect too early or too late and some miles may not count.
Which miles are accepted?
Sea miles outside inland waters are accepted. The examining bodies interpret this more generously than Germany: it includes waters defined as offshore, tidal waters, offshore like waters and waters with heavy shipping traffic. The notable difference from the German SKS: the IJsselmeer and Markermeer count for the Swiss licence, while for the SKS the IJsselmeer is not accepted. The Kiel Canal counts too.
The proof: the official sea time booklet
Unlike in Germany or Austria, a loose sea miles confirmation is not enough in Switzerland. You need the officially recognised sea time booklet, in which the skipper confirms every trip with an original signature. Since 1 January 2017 loose sheets are no longer accepted. The booklet is submitted at the exam and stays with the examining body.
With SeaMemo: all the data for the booklet at hand
SeaMemo has no automatic form export for Switzerland; the official booklet must be filled in by hand and signed. Still, SeaMemo takes care of the most tedious part: complete records.
- Track the trip: SeaMemo records route, distance and days at sea by GPS, precisely and offline.
- Record legs and crew: harbours, dates, skipper and your role are documented per leg.
- Fill in the booklet cleanly: when you enter the trip, you have all numbers at hand.
- GPS evidence for questions: the recorded track backs you up if the examining body asks.
Get SeaMemo for free
Logbook, travel journal and crew in one app. For iPhone and Android, works offline at sea.
Frequently asked questions
How many miles must I have before the theory exam?
For a sailing yacht, at most 300 of the 1,000 sea miles may come before the theory exam; at least 700 nm must be sailed afterwards. For a motor yacht it is at most 100 of 500 nm before, at least 400 after.
Does the IJsselmeer count for the Swiss licence?
Yes. For the Swiss offshore licence the IJsselmeer and Markermeer are accepted waters, unlike for the German SKS.
How long are my miles valid?
Experience counts within 4 calendar years before to 4 calendar years after the passed theory exam. Miles collected outside this window are not credited.
Is a loose sea miles confirmation enough?
No. Since 1 January 2017 the Swiss licence requires the official sea time booklet with the skipper's original signature; loose sheets are no longer accepted.