Special regulations apply to voyages by inland waterways, rivers and canals. These regulations have been laid down by the CEVNI countries, inter alia Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Austria.
The CEVNI countries require vessels from abroad to observe the regulations on voyages by inland waterways. The regulations include, inter alia, special conditions for the duty to keep clear and aids to navigation. The master is also required to have completed sailing training and to have acquired the canal certificate.
Danish sailors who have already acquired a certificate of competency for recreational sailors can complete an additional course and take a test in the CEVNI regulations and, subsequently, be issued with a canal certificate.
Additional course in the CEVNI regulations
This additional course is offered by several sailing associations in Denmark, such as "Dansk Sejlunion", "Danske Tursejlere", "Foreningen til langturssejladsens fremme" and/or Danish Yacht Master Association.
You must therefore contact the sailing organizations if you wish to attend this course, or learn more about Canal Certificate
Canal certificate
The canal certificate applies to vessels with a length of up to 15 metres. Special regulations apply to recreational vessels above 15 metres. In addition, supplementary regulations apply to voyages on major rivers such as the Rhine, the Danube and the Rhone. If you intend to navigate European inland waterways, you should familiarize yourself with the local provisions.
What is CEVNI?
A number of European countries with a net of inland waterways have acceded to the so-called CEVNI Code. The code has been made by United Nations' Economic Commission for Europe. CEVNI is short for "Code Europèen des Voies de la Navigation Intèrieure", which means regulations on navigation by inland waterways.