Becoming a captain on the European waterways is an achievable goal, whether you're a seasoned sea captain looking for a new adventure or a novice to the shipping industry. We'll cover everything you need to know, from the basic requirements to the necessary training and certifications, and the steps you can take to advance your career.

If you're a sea captain interested in transitioning to the inland waterways, you'll find ample opportunities to apply your skills and experience. As a river captain, you'll navigate through picturesque waterways, passing through stunning landscapes, and docking at historic towns and cities. The river environment presents different challenges and opportunities compared to the open sea, making it an excellent opportunity for sea captains to expand their skillset.

Novices to the industry also have a chance to start their career as a river captain. With the right training and dedication, you can work your way up from a 3rd Captain to a 1st Captain, overseeing larger vessels and leading a crew.

To ensure that you're fully prepared for the journey ahead, we recommend that you read each of the blogs in this series, in order, and not skip any critical information.

Conclusion:

Whether you're a seasoned sea captain or a novice to the shipping industry, becoming a captain on the European waterways is an achievable goal with the right guidance and effort. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieve your dream of captaining a vessel on the beautiful and historic waterways of Europe.

Welcome to the exciting world of European river navigation! Suppose you're new to this industry and aspire to become a Captain. In that case, reaching this goal takes more than just a university degree. It requires years of practice, schooling, and dedication to hone your sailor skills.

Start by reading the following blog series on how to get started in the industry. These instructions will give you the foundation to succeed as a Sailor on Inland Waterways. But don't worry. We're here to guide you through the process.

You can achieve your dreams and command your ship on the open waters with hard work, determination, and a passion for adventure. So what are you waiting for? Let's get started on this exciting journey together!

Once you understand the basics, come back here to learn more about what it takes to become a Captain on the European rivers.

Are you interested in becoming a 3rd Captain and navigating Europe's stunning waterways? As a 3rd Captain, your main task is to learn how to handle and manage the ship while coordinating and planning the work schedule of the sailors. However, there is no shortcut to becoming a 3rd Captain. To qualify for this role, you must have previously worked as a Sailor or boatman, which is the highest grade for a Sailor.

As a 3rd Captain, you must know all the types of jobs that fall under the responsibility of a Sailor or Boatman. You must oversee the sailors' work and ensure their safety on deck. However, the 1st Captain is ultimately responsible for everything on the ship. Each crew member, from Sailor to 1st Captain, must carry out their job with full awareness and responsibility to ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of the boat.

In addition to these responsibilities, as a 3rd Captain, you will work alongside the Captain and learn how to sail a variety of river stretches and navigate the ship day in and day out. Are you ready to face the exciting challenge of becoming a 3rd Captain and sailing Europe's waterways?

Calling all European Sea Captains! We have some fantastic news that you will want to take advantage of.

From February 2022, Captains with at least five years of experience in a Captain position can automatically receive the 3rd Captain stamp in Europe, allowing you to start working on Inland Waterway Ships as a 3rd Captain with additional schooling and apprenticeship.

If you're a European Sea Captain, you can now be closer to your family and friends while enjoying a career in the open waters. Working as a 3rd Captain on inland waterways offers a 1-month-on-1-month-off schedule, allowing you to explore Europe's rich history and culture in your free time. With some extra practice and certificates, you can quickly progress to become a 1st Captain and command your own ship.

So why wait? Join us on the European waterways and embark on an exciting new adventure. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog series for more information about this unique opportunity.

For a sneak peek, check out our free educational material.

For more information feel free to contact us.

Are you interested in becoming a 3rd Captain but need help figuring out where to start? We understand that getting the proper education and apprenticeship to advance in your career can be challenging and sometimes frustrating. If you are in this situation, don't hesitate to contact us. We can help you find the right place to start your journey.

Becoming a 3rd Captain takes time and dedication. You must have at least three years of experience as a Sailor or 180 days as a Boatman (Bootsmann in the German Language, the highest Sailor grade you receive after three years as a Sailor). In some cases, you can become a 3rd Captain with two years of experience as a Sailor. However, an apprenticeship through your company and attending the German SBL School are still required.

To increase your chances of being selected for an apprenticeship, show your Captains that you are reliable, respectful, caring, and responsible above your colleagues. When the opportunity arises, approach your Captain and express your intentions to become a 3rd Captain. Some Captains are more than willing to take on apprentices, while others may need more time or resources to dedicate to the task.

Becoming a 3rd Captain is just the beginning of your journey. It may seem like a long road, but time flies by quickly. It takes at least two years to become a 2nd Captain and another three years of experience to become a skilled 1st Captain. Take advantage of opportunities to come to you; be proactive in seeking them out.

If you are still waiting for a response from your company or need help finding an apprenticeship, we can assist you. We understand the usual issues when advancing your career and are here to help. Don't let your dreams of becoming a Captain fade away. Take action and start your journey today.

Are you interested in becoming a Steuermann mit Patent, also known as a 3rd captain? To reach this level, there are several requirements that you must meet.

Firstly, you must have 180 sailing days as a registered Boatman (Bootsmann) in your skipper service book or complete a three-year training program with 360 registered sailing days. Additionally, you must obtain a VHF (UKW funk) radio certificate, which is necessary for communicating with other ships or river traffic control.

Once you have met the requirements for sailing days and obtained the VHF radio certificate, you can participate in the exams required to work as a Trainee Captain.

These exams include the Unionspatent, which allows you to sail on any inland waterway ship and on river sections where having a Stretch certificate is optional.

The Stretch certificate is necessary when sailing on stretches that require additional certification, such as the journey from Amsterdam to Budapest.

Another essential certificate is the Radar Patent, vital when sailing in unsightly weather conditions.

There are also optional certificates that allow you to transport products with different properties. These certificates are mainly for cargo ships, but some are also for passenger ships.

Examples include the ADN Basic, ADN Chemical, ADN Gas, LNG Certificate, Safety Expert, First Aid, and Breathing Device Operator (RBDO) certificates.

If you're wondering where to learn all of this, don't worry. You can participate in courses and seminars to obtain the necessary certificates. For example, the VHF radio certificate course is typically two to three days long. The European Captain's license course can last up to 14 days.

Stretch courses must be made available from companies, but we are the first to offer them for free.

The Radar course can be taken on a simulator or a real ship.

Remember, while participating in courses is essential, there is no substitute for actual life practice. So, if you're serious about becoming a Steuermann mit Patent, start learning, practicing, and working towards your first exam today!

As a Captain, your work schedule and salary are the most critical factors in your career progression. At the start of your journey as a 3rd Captain, you'll have the opportunity to work in a 4/4 schedule, allowing for a comfortable work-life balance. However, you want to advance quickly to become a 2nd Captain. In that case, we recommend a 6/2 schedule, mainly if you're working with passenger ships. These ships have shorter seasons and less time to sail, which can hinder your progress. Suppose you're looking for more variety in your work schedule. In that case, cargo ships are a better option, with various schedules like 1/1, 2/2, and 3/3. It's worth noting that working on cargo ships requires different skills, but the experience gained is invaluable.

Moving on to salaries, your pay as a 3rd Captain will vary depending on your skills and exams. For example, Steermans with a Basis Unionspatent and 100km of Rhein River Stretch exam can expect salaries starting from 2400€, which can grow to 3000€.
As a 2nd Captain, your salary can range from 3300€ to 4000€. 1st Captains, on the other hand, can expect salaries between 4300€ to 5500€, depending on their skills, exams, and the company they work for. You could earn even more if you're exceptional, mainly if you work on special ships like chemical cargo ships or Koppelverband.

In conclusion, becoming a skilled Captain takes time and effort. Still, with the proper work schedule and salary, you'll have the motivation to progress quickly. Remember, your skills and ability to sell yourself will impact your earnings, so keep learning and growing to become your best Captain.

Comming soon!

Comming soon!