In command on board
Boatmasterjobs
As a boatmaster, usually called captain on board, you're responsible for the vessel, the crew and the cargo. You work at management level in inland navigation and need a Union certificate of qualification as boatmaster or a recognised equivalent certificate.
Tasks
- Plan the voyage and navigate the vessel safely through fairways, locks and ports
- Assign and instruct the crew and keep an eye on working and rest hours
- Supervise loading and unloading, check draught and stability
- Take responsibility for the logbook, ship's papers and safety regulations
- Coordinate with the shipping company, shippers, locks and authorities by radio and phone
Qualifications
- Union certificate of qualification as boatmaster or a recognised equivalent certificate, e.g. the Rhine patent
- Radio certificate for inland waterway radio (UBI)
- Radar Patent for navigating by radar, asked for in many positions
- Depending on the route and vessel, specific authorisations, e.g. for stretches with specific risks or large convoys
- On dangerous goods vessels and tankers an ADN certificate of special knowledge; on tankers, depending on the cargo, with the gas or chemicals specialisation course
- Valid medical fitness certificate
Rotation schedules
Rotation schedules with fixed periods on board and ashore are common, e.g. 14/14 (two weeks on board, two weeks off) or 2:1 (two weeks on board, one week off). If the vessel runs around the clock, you usually share the watches with a second boatmaster.
Vessel types and operating areas
Motor cargo vessels, tankers, pushed and coupled convoys as well as passenger and cabin cruise vessels. Typical operating areas are the Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, Elbe and the canals in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.