Boating licence
40 kW boat engine: when is a nautical licence required?
Within six miles and inland, both limits apply: over 30 kW and displacement above the threshold for that engine type.
Within six miles and on inland waters, a 40 kW engine requires a licence because it exceeds 30 kW, even if its displacement is below its type-specific threshold. An engine at or below 30 kW may also require a licence if it exceeds that displacement threshold. Beyond six miles, a licence is required regardless.
Power and displacement must be checked together
Article 39(1)(b) of Italy’s Recreational Boating Code requires a licence on inland waters and at sea within six miles if power exceeds 30 kW (40.8 CV) or displacement exceeds the threshold for that engine type. Exceeding either one is enough: a 40 kW engine requires a licence even below its displacement limit; conversely, displacement above its limit triggers the requirement at or below 30 kW.
The displacement threshold depends on configuration: 750 cm³ for a carbureted two-stroke, 900 for a direct-injection two-stroke, 1,000 for a four-stroke outboard, 1,300 for a four-stroke inboard, 2,000 for a naturally aspirated diesel, and 1,300 for a turbocharged diesel. The value must be strictly greater, not equal. Check displacement, kW and exact engine type in the craft papers; if the documents do not identify induction or forced induction, ask the Port Authority.
For example, a carbureted 700 cm³ two-stroke outboard rated at 40 kW requires a licence within six miles because it exceeds the power threshold, even though displacement is below its limit. The same type at 800 cm³ and 28 kW requires a licence for the opposite reason: it exceeds 750 cm³. Beyond six miles, a licence is required regardless of these figures.
Check the unit and intended navigation
Before departure, verify distance from the coast, inland or sea waters, vessel length and classification, and engine data. Within six miles, check power and displacement independently; exceeding either threshold requires a licence. Beyond six miles, a licence is required regardless of the engine. Personal watercraft follow a separate rule. If the technical sheet and engine certificate do not match, have the model number and installed configuration checked.
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Frequently asked questions
Does a 40 kW engine alone require a licence within six miles?
Yes. 40 kW exceeds the 30 kW power threshold, so a licence is required within six miles even if displacement is below the limit for its engine type. Beyond six miles, it is always required.
What displacement thresholds apply?
750 cm³ for a carbureted 2-stroke, 900 for a direct-injection 2-stroke, 1,000 for a 4-stroke outboard, 1,300 for a 4-stroke inboard, 2,000 for an aspirated diesel and 1,300 for a turbocharged diesel. A licence is required if the applicable displacement threshold or 30 kW is exceeded.