Rhine High-Risk Section – Compact Course

Aim

The Union Boatmaster Certificate provides the basic qualification required to expand the areas in which a boatmaster may operate at management level by obtaining the additional qualification for the Rhine High-Risk Section.

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 professional qualifications in inland navigation into national law introduced a number of changes on 18 January 2022. At the same time, the Inland Navigation Personnel Regulation (BinSchPersV) aligned competency standards, examination content and examination structures with European standards.

Entering the inland navigation profession as a career changer remains possible, and this is a positive development. We have therefore developed this combined course to prepare career changers as effectively as possible for further GDWS examinations leading to special authorisations.

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. In short, alongside the safe navigation of waterways, personal suitability and professional competence are essential. The size of an inland vessel is of secondary importance.

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 proper and professional 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 essential, whether in cargo shipping, passenger transport, push-towing operations or ferry services.

Thorough training and preparation are indispensable when assuming overall responsibility. Our common goal is to provide compact, practice-oriented preparation for the GDWS examinations, laying the foundation for an extended area of operation at management level.

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

Content

• Legal regulations governing navigation on the River Rhine
• Route knowledge of the Rhine High-Risk Section
• Intensive examination preparation

Further information

Registration for this training course does not automatically register you for the 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
• Possession of a valid boatmaster certificate

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

Examination dates