Of the above, we are most in favour of the German system.
The reason for this is that usually, the ships spend more time in Germany. Also, Germany has many more offices, so you are more likely to find a place to go to get a skipper book, which is quick and easy to do.
Later on, when you’re training to become a 3rd Captain, you’ll be able to benefit from it.
As far as we know, you can apply for a book as a foreigner in Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria.
Below you can find the shipping offices of all European countries. Where you can apply for your skipper book.
You can also read about the conditions for obtaining a book for each country.
Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Swiss, Czech Republik
https://www.ccr-zkr.org/files/documents/reglementSTF/L_aut_comp_IS/IS4_App1_de.pdf
https://elwis.de/DE/Schifffahrtsrecht/Binnenschifffahrtsrecht/Dienstanweisungen/04/04-page.html
Austria
Slovakia
Hungary
https://vizsgakozpont.hu/hajozas
https://vizsgakozpont.hu/hajozas/hszk-ugyintezes
Serbia
https://www.mgsi.gov.rs/lat/odsek/odeljenje-za-poslove-unutrasnje-plovidbe-lucke-kapetanije
Croatia
https://mmpi.gov.hr/more-86/lucke-kapetanije-102/102
Bulgaria
Romania
https://www.ceronav.ro/index.html
For assistance, feel free to contact us at info@riverpilot.eu
You should also know that if you participate in our Sailor training program, we’ll also ensure that you receive your skipper book.
More info here.