Races, practice sessions and events with motor-driven watercraft that require a temporary interruption of water traffic or derogation from a restriction require a permit issued by Traficom. The permit application must be submitted approximately 2–3 months before the event.
Organising races, practice sessions or events with motor-driven watercraft on a repeated or permanent basis in the same water area requires a permit from the municipal environmental protection authority or ELY Centre. A permit is also required for the organisation of a one-time event if significant harmful environmental impacts are expected to arise. Such events requiring a temporary interruption of water traffic or a derogation from a restriction also require a permit from Traficom (section 106 of the Water Traffic Act).
Races with other than motor-driven watercraft, such as sailing or rowing boats, do not require the type of permit referred to in section 106 of the Water Traffic Act.
If an event does not require a permit in accordance with the Water Traffic Act, but does require derogation from a prohibition or restriction currently in effect or a temporary interruption of water traffic, the matter will be processed as a fixed-term prohibition and restriction matter. In this case, the application must be submitted approximately 2–3 months before the event so that a hearing in accordance with the Water Traffic Act can be arranged before the issuing of the decision.