9-Month Boatman Programme – Slovakia
9-Month Pathway to the Boatman Qualification
A structured programme combining campus training in Šamorín, practical onboard experience and preparation for the Boatman qualification at operation level.
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 the River Academy campus, practical experience onboard a vessel and final theoretical and practical assessments.
Successful qualification remains subject to completion of the required training, assessments, documented sailing days and approval by the competent authority.
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.
How the Programme Is Structured
The programme combines initial campus preparation, an extended onboard phase and final revision and examination preparation at the River Academy campus.
Campus Preparation
Goal: Prepare participants for their first onboard phase and ensure that the required documents, safety training and basic skills are in place.
Practical Onboard Experience
Goal: Develop the practical knowledge and onboard experience required for the Boatman qualification.
Participants complete practical tasks in accordance with the River Academy task book.
Revision and Final Assessments
Goal: Prepare participants for and complete the final theoretical and practical assessments.
The final phase takes place at the River Academy campus.
River Record Book and Required Documents
The exact application process depends on which documents and certificates the participant already holds.
If a River Record Book Is Already Available
River Academy prepares the required confirmation of enrolment and the Power of Attorney for the qualification process.
The participant can then proceed to the onboard phase, subject to the remaining programme requirements.
If No River Record Book Is Available
Safety Certificate Check
Administrative Support and Authorisation
Once the necessary requirements have been completed, River Academy prepares the Power of Attorney and confirmation of enrolment.
The Power of Attorney authorises River Academy to complete the agreed administrative procedures and qualification applications on behalf of the participant.
Without the required authorisation, River Academy cannot complete official registration procedures or qualification applications on behalf of the participant.
Examination Requirements
The final assessment includes both a theoretical examination and a practical onboard assessment.
Theoretical Examination
Practical Examination
Additional Requirements
How the 90 Sailing Days Are Documented
A minimum of 90 sailing days must be completed during the nine-month programme.
River Academy cannot guarantee that individual sailing days will be accepted by the competent authority.
Who Is Responsible for What?
River Academy
The Participant
The Boatmaster 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 the 15-day programme in Slovakia and regular Union Certificate compact or combined courses in Germany.
View Boatmaster and Union Certificate CoursesInterested in the 9-Month Programme?
Contact River Academy for further information about eligibility, required documents and the next steps.
I’m Interested