Boat operator
A boat or skipper is responsible for his vehicle in the sense of the traffic regulations ( BinSchStrO etc.), alone and in every respect.
He does not need to be at the helm, but must be on board while the boat is in motion. He proves his suitability by means of a certificate of competence for the type of vehicle and the route to be traveled (driver's license, patent or the like). The certificates are issued partly by authorities and partly by associations, usually after appropriate training, examination and approval.