18-Month Program – Union Certificate / Boatmaster

Welcome!

This page provides an overview of the training program that best matches your answers. On the right, you’ll find upcoming dates and additional relevant courses that may also interest you.

18-Month Program – Union Certificate / Boatmaster

This intensive training program is designed for experienced deck crew from seagoing vessels and career changers who aim to qualify as a licensed boatmaster on European inland waterways.

Training is based on the “learning by doing” approach, combining three shore-based theory blocks at our River Academy campus in Šamorín (Slovakia) with extensive onboard practice. The full program includes 12 weeks of classroom instruction, approximately 40 weeks of onboard experience, and 24 weeks of planned leave, coordinated with your employer.

Program Topics Include:

Foundations of inland navigation and legal framework
Navigation, manoeuvring, and radar usage
Communication and radio training (incl. basic German for VHF)
Onboard safety and emergency management
40 hours of boatmaster-specific theory
40 hours of simulator training under realistic conditions
360 hours of practical and theoretical training in river navigation
Support in arranging medical exams, qualifications, and certifications in line with Slovak authorities