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The Icelandic Transport Authority Frontpage
The Icelandic Transport Authority Frontpage

Icelandic Transport Authority

Passenger transport by commercial boats

12th July 2023

The Icelandic Transport Authority (ICETRA) would like to stress that commercial passenger transport by boats, such as tourist excursions and fishing trips, is subject to a license from ICETRA.

Boats mirror in the sea

The Icelandic Transport Authority (ICETRA) would like to stress that commercial passenger transport by boats, such as tourist excursions and fishing trips, is subject to a license from ICETRA. This applies to all boats, such as RIBs, Zodiac boats or other boats.

There are two types of licenses:

  1. If the boats are under 6 meters, the operator needs an operating permit, which states how the activity will be conducted, ensuring that insurance is adequate, etc.

  2. If the boats are over 6 meters long, the operator must apply for a passenger license for the boats and the activity must meet the same requirements as mentioned above.

For boats of 6 m and longer, operators should use the form Application for license/renewal of license for passenger transport by ship, which can be found on the website of ICETRA.

A form for boats under 6 meters can be found on the website of ICETRA under Application for a license to operate boat rentals, kayak rentals, rafting and sailing clubs.

Port areas are not exempted, and ports cannot, therefore, allow passenger transport with vessels that do not have the required permits.

This information has also been sent to shipping agents regarding the use of their own boats by foreign cruise ships for excursions.

According to Article 41 in law nr. 66/2021 a license is required from The Icelandic Transport Authority for commercial passenger transport in Iceland's jurisdiction, but foreign cruise ships, which fall under the SOLAS rules, are exempt from the rules, as well as the boats when they are only used to ferry passengers directly ashore and back.