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Helmsmanjobs
As a helmsman, you steer the vessel during your watch and support the boatmaster with navigation and manoeuvres. The helmsman is the highest level at operational level and a common route to your own boatmaster's certificate.
Tasks
- Steer the vessel during your watch and monitor traffic on the fairway
- Support the boatmaster with voyage planning, navigation and radio communication
- Coordinate the deck crew when berthing, casting off, mooring and locking
- Help supervise loading and unloading, ballast and draught
- Check safety equipment and take part in emergency drills
Qualifications
- Certificate of qualification as helmsman, e.g. after at least 180 days of navigation time as able boatman or through a recognised training programme
- Radio certificate for inland waterway radio (UBI), required for the certificate of qualification
- Valid medical fitness certificate
- ADN certificate of special knowledge an advantage, often asked for on tankers
- Next step: Union certificate of qualification as boatmaster after at least 180 days of navigation time as helmsman and a passed exam
Rotation schedules
You work the same rotation schedule as the rest of the crew, often 14/14 (two weeks on board, two weeks off) or 2:1. If the vessel runs around the clock, you support the boatmaster in fixed watches.
Vessel types and operating areas
Motor cargo vessels and tankers, pushed convoys as well as passenger and cabin cruise vessels, mainly on the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube and the canals in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.