Maritime Waterways – Compact Course

Aim

The basic qualification Union Patent provides the foundation for expanding personal areas of operation at the management level through obtaining the qualification “Maritime Waterways.”

Description

With the implementation of the EU Directive 2017/2397 on “Professional Qualifications in Inland Navigation” into national law, several changes came into effect on 18 January 2022. At the same time, the Inland Waterway Personnel Ordinance aligned competency standards, including examination content and structure, with European standards.

A career change into inland navigation remains possible, which is a positive development. We have therefore developed this training course to best prepare career changers for further GDWS examinations for specific competencies. Steering an inland vessel from “A” to “B” is not enough; shipmasters are expected to safely manage the inland vessel as a working asset. In short, alongside the safe use of waterways, personal and professional qualifications are essential, regardless of the size of the vessel.

Responsible ship management includes making all nautical and technical decisions to ensure safe transport of goods on European waterways and/or safe passenger transport. Understanding and adhering to national and international regulations is crucial for preparing accurate and professional route planning. Relevant legal sources, both national and international, must be taken into account. The high demands placed on the crew require the leadership level to consciously take on the primary responsibility. Managing daily operations on board—whether in freight, passenger, push navigation, or ferry operations—is essential.

Comprehensive training and preparation for taking on primary responsibility are indispensable. The shared goal is to implement a compact yet practice-oriented preparation for GDWS examinations, laying the foundation for expanded leadership roles.

Please refer to our cancellation policy in our terms and conditions.

Content

• Navigation on Maritime Waterways: Including nautical charts and positioning.
• Maritime Waterways Regulations (SeeSchStrO/KVR): Rules for navigating maritime waterways.
• Legal Framework for Waterway Usage: Understanding relevant national and international regulations.
• Intensive Exam Preparation: Focused training to ensure success in examinations.

Further information

By registering for the course, you are not automatically registered for the examination with the General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping (GDWS). Please ensure you register for the exam in good time with a GDWS office of your choice.

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

• Proof of navigation time as a member of a deck crew.
• Possession of a valid patent.

The exam and issuance fees for the patent card must be paid directly to the GDWS and are not included in the course fees.

Detailed information is available at www.elwis.de. The registration deadline for the patent examination is five weeks prior to the exam date.

Examination dates