Watercraft with an internal combustion engine

Navigation conditions for navigation by self-propelled watercraft

Other restrictions on navigating watercraft in water bodies are set out in this list (in Lithuanian), while exceptions for water bodies where navigation with certain watercraft is allowed can be found in the environmental requirements annex (in Lithuanian).

Key definitions

The watercraft driving season – the period from the melting of ice in the water body to the formation of ice cover. If there is no permanent ice cover, the season lasts from 1 April to 15 March.
Self-propelled watercraft – a watercraft with an internal combustion engine, as well as a hovercraft, a propeller-driven watercraft, etc.
The minimum speed of a self-propelled watercraft – the minimum speed of a self-propelled watercraft at which the watercraft remains under control.

	Driving of watercraft is prohibited
1.	In thelmological, botanical, zoological, botanical-zoological, ornithological reserves and nature sanctuaries.
2.	In bodies of water with an area of less than 10 ha.
3.	Closer than 100 m from the shores of bodies of water, the shores of islands, bathing areas*, and diving zones marked with buoys.
4.	In rivers.

General rules

In bodies of water where driving of self-propelled watercraft of a certain power is prohibited, it is also prohibited to:

Keep and use watercraft for purposes other than driving it***.

Drive a watercraft with engines exceeding the permitted power switched off, except:

✅ when driving to another body of water where sailing with an engine of such power is permitted and returning;

✅ driving in bodies of water where inland waterways are established;

✅ from 21 June until the end of the watercraft driving season in bodies of water where driving of non-self-propelled watercraft is not prohibited, when driving with internal combustion engines raised from the water and fixed in the highest position.

Driving of watercraft in protected areas

Driving of watercraft is prohibited

In thelmological, botanical, zoological, botanical-zoological, ornithological reserves and nature sanctuaries.

In state (regional and national) parks, except for:

✅ when the total engine power does not exceed 10 HP (8 kW), driving is permitted from 21 June until the end of the watercraft driving season. These watercraft can be moored at equipped piers, at jetties, at places where water tourists embark and disembark;

✅ in other cases specified in environmental protection requirements (in Lithuanian).

Driving of watercraft in unprotected areas

Driving of watercraft with internal combustion engines is permitted in accordance with the listed requirements.

Permitted	Bodies of water
If the total engine power does not exceed 8 kW (10 HP)
During the entire watercraft driving season	✅ In water bodies larger than 100 ha
From 21 June to the end of the watercraft driving season	✅ In water bodies larger than 10 ha
When the total engine power is 9 kW (11 HP) to 15 kW (20 HP)
During the entire watercraft driving season	✅ In water bodies of at least 500 ha
From 21 June to the end of the watercraft driving season	✅ In water bodies of at least 100 ha
When the total engine power is 16 kW (21 HP) to110 kW (150 HP)
From 21 June to the end of the watercraft driving season	✅ In water bodies larger than 200 ha
When the total engine power is 111 kW (151 HP) to 220 kW (300 HP)
From 21 June to the end of the watercraft driving season	✅ Driving is permitted in the part of the body of water (water area) approved in territorial planning documents, in bodies of water larger than 500 ha
When the total engine power is 221 kW (301 HP) to 500 kW (680 HP)
❌ Prohibited, except in exceptional cases	Exclusively under the established conditions, see Elektrėnai Lagoon and Drūkšiai Lake (in Lithuanian)

Sailing yachts

	Sailing yachts with an internal combustion engine are permitted to sail:
1.	In bodies of water where sailing with non-self-propelled watercraft is not prohibited. In such cases, internal combustion engines may be used only as an auxiliary means when mooring or in case of danger to the safety of the sailing yacht, crew, or other people.

If you have noticed any inaccuracies or have any suggestions, please inform us at [email protected].

* Except for sailing at the minimum speed of a self-propelled vessel.
** Except in cases where areas designated for boating are marked.
*** Except in cases where, in recreational water bodies designated by territorial planning documents (in protected areas, only in landscape management zones for intensive recreational use), a self-propelled watercraft performs the function of water flow transfer (water pump function) (e.g., a device controlled with the help of a self-propelled watercraft, whose lift is generated by a water flow transmitted through a flexible connection).