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9-Month Boatman Programme – Germany

9-Month Programme · Germany 🇩🇪

9-Month Pathway to the Boatman Qualification

A structured German-language programme combining campus training in Cologne, practical onboard experience and preparation for the Boatman qualification at operation level.

Programme overview

Training, Onboard Experience and Examination

The 9-month programme prepares participants for the Boatman qualification at operation level in European inland navigation.

The programme combines intensive training at River Academy in Cologne, practical experience onboard a vessel and preparation for the final theoretical examination.

Minimum of 90 documented sailing days
Campus training takes place at River Academy in Cologne
Training is conducted in German
The theoretical examination is conducted in German

Successful qualification remains subject to completion of the required training, examinations, documented sailing days and approval by the competent authority.

Who is this programme for?

Eligibility for Admission

The programme is intended for participants who want to obtain the Boatman qualification and begin or continue a professional career in inland navigation.

Admission is subject to an individual eligibility and document check.

A minimum of five years of professional work experience
OR
A successfully completed vocational qualification lasting at least three years
OR
A minimum of 500 navigation days as deck crew aboard an ocean-going vessel

The applicant’s professional experience, qualifications and available documents are checked before enrolment.

How the Programme Is Structured

The programme combines initial campus preparation, an extended onboard phase and final revision and examination preparation at River Academy in Cologne.

1
Week 1

Campus Preparation in Cologne

Goal: Prepare participants for the onboard phase and ensure that the required documents, safety training and basic knowledge are in place.

Review and preparation of the required documents
Service Record Book provided by the employer before work begins
A valid medical certificate must be available before work begins; this is arranged through the employer
Basic Safety certificate checked by the WSV
First Aid training
Introduction to inland waterways and topography
Signs, rules and onboard communication
Foundational practical and hands-on training
2
Weeks 2–35

Practical Onboard Experience

Goal: Develop the practical knowledge and onboard experience required for the Boatman qualification.

Participants complete practical assignments and onboard tasks during the practical phase.

Minimum of 90 sailing days
Sailing days entered in the Service Record Book
Entries confirmed and signed by the responsible Boatmaster onboard
Practical tasks completed using the programme assignment book
Completed tasks signed and dated onboard
Supporting evidence retained where required
The participant checks that the records are complete
3
Week 36

Revision and Final Examination

Goal: Prepare participants for and complete the final theoretical examination.

The final phase takes place at River Academy in Cologne.

Revision of the theoretical course content
Preparation for the operation-level examination
Theoretical examination in German
Completion of the examination and qualification-application steps

Service Record Book and Required Documents

The exact application process depends on which documents and certificates the participant already holds.

Service Record Book

Service Record Book Before Work Begins

The Service Record Book is provided by the employer before work begins.

The participant may proceed to the onboard phase once the remaining programme requirements have been fulfilled.

Medical certificate

Medical Certificate Before Work Begins

A valid medical certificate must be available before work begins. This is arranged through the employer.

If no accepted medical certificate is available, River Academy provides support with the required process

Examination Requirements

The final assessment includes a theoretical examination. The training and examination are conducted in German.

📘

Theoretical Examination

90 examination questions
A minimum result of 70% is required to pass
The examination is conducted in German
📄

Additional Requirements

Minimum of 90 documented sailing days
Completed practical onboard assignments
Valid First Aid certificate
Completed and correctly maintained Service Record Book
Required supporting evidence
Sailing days and supporting evidence

How the 90 Sailing Days Are Documented

A minimum of 90 sailing days must be completed and correctly documented during the nine-month programme.

Sailing days are completed onboard
The days are entered in the Service Record Book
The responsible Boatmaster onboard confirms and signs the entries
The participant checks and retains the supporting evidence
The competent authority makes the final recognition decision

Who Is Responsible for What?

⚓

River Academy

Review the available documents and certificates
Provide the initial campus training in Cologne
Organise required safety and First Aid training
Provide the practical onboard assignment book
Prepare participants for the examinations
Support communication with the competent authority
👤

The Participant

Provide complete and correct personal documents
Maintain valid identification and medical documents
Complete all required training sessions
Complete the required onboard assignments
Complete at least 90 sailing days
Ensure all sailing days are recorded and signed
Retain supporting evidence from the vessel where required
Monitor the Service Record Book entries
Provide the required evidence to River Academy
🛳️

The Boatmaster Onboard

Confirm the participant’s completed sailing days
Sign and date the relevant Service Record Book entries
Confirm the practical assignments completed onboard

The Next Step Towards the Boatmaster Qualification

After obtaining the Boatman qualification, participants can continue their pathway towards the Boatmaster qualification and Union Certificate.

River Academy offers further preparation options, including Union Certificate compact and combined courses.

View Boatmaster and Union Certificate Courses

Interested in the 9-Month Programme?

Contact River Academy for further information about eligibility, required documents and the next steps.

I’m Interested