Sailor – Career Changer: Module 1

Aim

Participants will receive the entry “Sailor” in their service record book from the Waterways and Shipping Administration after completing 90 days of onboard service within the nine-month training program and successfully passing the IHK administrative examination.

Description

The chances of starting a career in inland navigation as a crew member — even as a career changer — are very good due to the high demand for skilled personnel. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to work in freight shipping, passenger transport, or ferry operations — all areas offer exciting new career opportunities.

Once the decision to change careers has been made, a targeted adaptation training program is the ideal way to quickly link your previous professional experience with the new tasks involved in working as a crew member.

The nine-month training program helps address the current shortage of skilled workers while offering participants attractive career prospects in inland navigation. For inland navigation companies, the program provides the advantage of qualifying motivated career changers within a manageable time frame, ensuring sufficient staffing to keep the fleet in operation. A well-balanced mix of seasoned professionals and enthusiastic newcomers fosters a positive and dynamic team environment that benefits both the company and the individual.

This course consists of 9 modules, delivered across nine separate sessions.

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

Content

Key Legal Principles in Inland Navigation

• Ship maintenance with a focus on environmental protection
• Maintenance and servicing of ship equipment
• Maintenance of technical equipment
• Loading and unloading an inland vessel
• Manoeuvring and steering a vessel
• Quality-conscious actions (Quality Management System)
• Organizing work processes / teamwork
• Communication within the onboard community
• VHF radio communication in inland navigation (UBI certificate)
• Occupational safety and health protection
• Fire prevention and firefighting
• Basics of first aid

Entry Requirements

• Possession of a valid service record book for registering onboard service time
• At least five years of professional experience prior to the start of the training program, or
• 500 days of onboard service as a deck crew member at sea, or
• A successfully completed three-year vocational training program

Further information

The IHK examination and certification fees are not included in the prices listed above.

Please note that registering for the course does not automatically include registration for the administrative examination. To ensure timely exam registration, please follow the IHK’s specific guidelines.