Certificates for operating inland waterway vessels

Anyone operating an inland waterway vessel must hold a master's licence or a suitable professional certificate for that class of vessel.

Main categories

• Master's licence — graded by the vessel's deadweight and main engine power.
• Chief engineer's licence — for those in charge of machinery on higher-powered vessels.
• Operating certificate — for small, low-powered craft.
• Special certificates — basic safety, coastal operation, carriage of dangerous goods.

Very small domestic craft may be exempt, but the operator must still be able to swim and know the waterway rules.

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