Union Boatmaster Certificate – Combined Course

Aim

Our common goal is to provide compact, practice-oriented preparation for the GDWS examinations, laying the foundation for professional advancement to management level in inland navigation.

Important information regarding 2027 prices: Course prices for 2027 are expected to be adjusted. However, if you book at the currently advertised price, the price confirmed at the time of booking will remain valid.

Description

The implementation of EU Directive 2017/2397 on the recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation into national law introduced a number of changes. At the same time, the Inland Navigation Personnel Regulation (BinSchPersV) aligned competency standards, examination content and examination structures with European standards.

Obtaining the Union Certificate of Qualification as a Boatmaster enables career changers in inland navigation to advance from operational level to management level as members of a vessel’s crew. We have therefore developed a specialised training programme to prepare career changers as effectively as possible for the GDWS examination.

Navigating an inland vessel from point A to point B is not enough. Those in command are expected to ensure the safe operation of the vessel, regardless of its size. Responsible vessel management involves making all nautical and technical decisions with the aim of ensuring the safe transport of goods on European inland waterways and/or the safe carriage of passengers. Understanding and complying with national and international regulations is essential for effective voyage planning. Relevant national and international legal requirements must be taken into account.

The high demands placed on vessel crews require those at management level to consciously assume overall responsibility. Managing daily operations on board is therefore an essential part of the role, whether in cargo shipping, passenger transport, push-towing operations or ferry services. Accidents and incidents of all kinds must be prevented wherever possible. Thorough training and preparation are indispensable when assuming this level of responsibility.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for information on cancellation policies.

Content

• Legal regulations governing navigation on inland waterways
• Special regulations concerning the use of waterways
• Obtaining nautical information for voyage planning
• Professional knowledge required for responsible vessel management
• Basic vessel equipment and operational systems
• Care and maintenance of vessel equipment and technical systems
• Crew requirements in accordance with personnel regulations
• Communication during vessel manoeuvres
• Vessel manoeuvring and steering
• Occupational health and safety
• International transport of dangerous goods
• Theoretical and practical examination preparation

Further information

Registration for this training course does not automatically register you for the certificate examination with the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (GDWS).

Please ensure that you register for the examination in good time at a GDWS examination centre of your choice.

To be eligible for the examination, you must meet the following requirements:

• Proof of the required navigation time as a member of a deck crew
• Physical and mental fitness to act as a boatmaster
• Possession of a valid radio operator’s certificate
• Minimum age of 18 years

Examination and certificate issuance fees must be paid directly to the GDWS and are not included in the course fee.

ℹ️ Important information about examination registration

Detailed information is available on the official platform:

www.elwis.de

Examination application:

Download the application for admission to the certificate examination (PDF).

Registration deadline: The deadline for registering for the examination is five weeks before the examination date.

Examination dates