STCW Training News
In STCW Training News update nr. 12: Manning seagoing merchant/sailing vessel on inland waterways
July 2024
Manning of a seagoing merchant/sailing vessel on inland waterways longer than a transit
Recently, we have received multiple questions from ship owners about confusion regarding the required documents for a skipper or captain when a sea going vessel navigates on inland waters for a period longer than a transit between port and sea. During an inspection this confusion can lead to temporary or prolonged cessation of activities, causing a lot of frustration for the ship owner, skipper/captain, and client, ultimately resulting in financial losses. Although the law is clear on this matter, it is not widely known.
Artikel 5.10 van de Binnenvaartregeling refers to Artikel 19.07 of the ‘Reglement betreffende het scheepvaartpersoneel op de Rijn’ (RSP). Based on what is stated in this article, the following conclusions can be drawn.
On Dutch inland waters, seagoing vessels may operate with:
- a full inland navigation crew
OR - with a crew according to the Minimum Safe Manning Document of the ship, provided that:
- the number of crew members is at least equivalent to the minimum crew as prescribed for operation mode B on inland waters
- and at least one person on board is holding the qualification certificate for skipper (EU-kwalificatiecertificaat schipper). This person does not necessarily have to be the captain.
Note: when operating with a seagoing crew for more than 14 hours, a second person with the required inland navigation papers (EU-kwalificatiecertificaat schipper) must be on board.
Regarding the registration of rest periods, a seagoing vessel may continue using its own rest hour forms during journeys on inland waterways. The main rule is that every vessel on inland waterways must have the official ‘vaartijdenboek’, but a seagoing vessel may also continue to use its own forms based on article 19.07 RSP.