Carriage of goods and persons by inland waterway: conditions for obtaining national boatmasters' certificates

1) OBJECTIVE: to harmonize the conditions for obtaining national boatmasters' certificates for inland waterways between the Member States in order to combat distortions of competition between carriers and increase safety on inland waterways. 2) CONTENT: 1. The directive includes the distinction made when Directive 91/672/EEC was adopted, between certificates for Community waterways (Group B) and individual certificates for waterways in the Community and maritime zones (Group A). 2. Certain terms used in the directive are defined. 3. Scope of the directive: national certificates may be maintained for isolated networks under certain circumstances. 4. The validity of certificates which meet the minimum requirements of the directive is extended to all the Member States of the Community. 5. In order to obtain a certificate, boatmasters must: * be at least 21 years of age (with some exceptions); * have the required physical and mental aptitude; * have at least four year's professional experience as a member of the bridge crew on an inland waterway vessel; * have passed an examination on their professional knowledge, the main subjects of which are listed in Annex II; * comply with specific conditions governing the carriage of dangerous substances; * comply with specific conditions governing radar navigation. 6. A refusal to issue or a decision to withdraw a certificate must be justified. 7. The Commission may take the measures needed in order to adapt the specimen boatmasters' certificate contained in Annex I and the professional skills needed in order to obtain the certificate, as listed in Annex II. Composition and role of the committee to assist the Commission in this function. Source: European Commission - Info92 - 10/95 �