What the German Seemeilennachweis is, how many sea miles the SKS and SSS ask for, and how to document them so your exam board accepts them.
The Seemeilennachweis is the proof of sea miles you hand in for the German recreational sea licences. For the SKS (Sportküstenschifferschein), you need, as of 2026, at least 300 nautical miles sailed on yachts at sea; for the SSS (Sportseeschifferschein), 700 nautical miles after the SKS, or 1,000 nautical miles after the SBF See. The miles are confirmed by the skipper you sailed with, usually on a form, with logbook pages as backup. Rules change, so check the current requirements with the DSV or your exam board.
The licences and their miles
| Licence | Sea miles (as of 2026) | Usually counted after |
|---|---|---|
| SKS (Sportküstenschifferschein) | 300 nm | SBF See (the basic sea licence) |
| SSS (Sportseeschifferschein) | 700 nm | SKS |
| SSS (Sportseeschifferschein) | 1,000 nm, 500 of them as watch leader or deputy before the theory exam | SBF See |
The higher SHS (Sporthochseeschifferschein) asks for further miles after the SSS. Whether miles from before the previous licence count, and whether they must be on a sailing yacht for the sail variant of a licence, is set by the current exam rules. Ask before you rely on old trips. As of 2026; check with the DSV or your exam board.
What counts
- Miles at sea. Coastal and offshore waters, not lakes or rivers.
- On a yacht, as crew, watch leader or skipper.
- Distance actually sailed, not the straight line between harbours.
- Training cruises usually count, as long as the skipper confirms them. Many schools run dedicated mileage cruises (Meilentörns).
Documenting sea miles
- Keep a logbook on every trip: date, departure and destination, sea area, distance.
- Get the skipper's confirmation. Usually a form with your name, the boat (name, type, length), period, sea area and miles, signed by the skipper. Check whether your exam board has its own form.
- Add copies of logbook pages if asked. They back up the signature.
- Collect it right after each cruise. Tracking down a skipper years later is where many a Seemeilennachweis gets stuck.
Tips
- Keep one running list of all trips with miles and the signature status.
- Photograph every signed form and store it in a second place.
- If you sailed as skipper yourself, ask your exam board how to document those miles.
Digital records and the signature
Manta records every trip with its track, times and distance, groups them into cruises and seasons, and shows your season's miles, handy when you add up 300, 700 or 1,000 miles. Trips can be exported as GPX. The signed confirmation from your skipper remains the document that counts.
How proving sea miles works more generally, including other countries, is in How to prove your sea miles.
Questions
How many sea miles do I need for the SKS?
As of 2026, 300 nautical miles on yachts at sea. Check the current rules with the DSV or your exam board before you plan your season. Requirements can change.
Do miles on the Bodensee or other lakes count?
Not for the SKS or SSS, which are sea licences. Only miles in coastal or offshore waters count. Ask your exam board if you are unsure about a particular area.
Can I collect the miles on a training cruise?
Yes, many sailing schools offer dedicated mileage cruises (Meilentörns) for exactly this. Your skipper confirms the miles at the end.
Is a GPS track or app recording accepted?
As supporting evidence, usually. What exam boards want is a confirmation signed by the skipper; a logbook or track backs it up. Ask your board what they accept.
Manta does this for you
Mileage certificates for your sailing licence Pro
Turn your trips into a mileage certificate, with every trip listed and signed by the skipper. A PDF ready for SKS, SSS, RYA and other licences.
