european classification of inland waterways
The European classification of inland waterways and the related regulatory framework.
Skippers are the highest authority on-board or on inland waterways, they are in charge of the vessel and are held responsible for the safety and well being of the clients and crew. They are licensed by the responsible authority and will determine the operations of the vessel at any time. They are the ultimate instance responsible for the crew, the ship, the cargo and/or passengers, and the voyage.
Competences and skills
63 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 16 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
13 competencesfunctions of vessel deck equipment
The required performance level of deck and safety equipment and vessel lifting facilities.
inland waterway police regulations
The rules, legal requirements, and relevant police regulations applicable to the traffic on inland waterways.
inland waterway ship building
The various methods for constructing inland waterway vessels in compliance with construction legislation concerning buildings.
international waterways
The international waterways used for maritime navigation, the geographical location of currents, maritime waterways, and harbours.
national waterways
The national waterways used for inland navigation. The geographical location of rivers, canals, seaports and inland harbours, and their relationship with cargo flows.
passenger transport regulations
The applicable conventions and regulations governing the provision of passenger transport services.
physical parts of the vessel
The different physical components of the vessel and their maintenance and care effort.
principles of cargo stowage
The principles of cargo stowage. The procedures by which containers should be efficiently loaded and unloaded, taking into account gravitational forces that are exerted during transportation.
vessel fuels
The characteristics and properties of vessel fuels and lubricants, and the fuel loading specifications of various types of vessels.
vessel points of sail
Points of sail describing the orientation of a vessel in relation to the direction of the wind.
vessel safety equipment
Safety equipment used in vessels, including devices such as lifeboats, life rings, splash doors and fire doors, sprinkler systems, etc, and how these must be operated during emergency situations.
vessel stability principles
Thoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.
Cross-sector
3 competencesinternational regulations for cargo handling
The body of conventions, guidelines and rules which dictate the activity of loading and unloading cargo in international ports.
multimodal transport logistics
The logistical supporting activities related to multimodal transport. The different elements of a multimodal system for the movement of goods or people, and all related advantages in terms of time and cost reduction, increased security and reduced risks and reduction of administrative burdens.
national regulations on handling cargo
The national regulations governing the loading and unloading of cargo in ports within that country.
Essential skills and competences 37 competences
Occupation specific
3 competencesassume highest level of responsibility in inland water transportation
Understand the responsibilities that accompany the position of skipper. Assume responsibility for the integrity of ship's crew, cargo, and passengers; ensure that operations run as they should.
instruct on technical shore-based operations
Instruct crew members in the pre- and after activities relating to the operations of technical shore-based facilities. Understand safety regulations required to work with shipboard electrical systems.
monitor crew members operating engines
Monitor the staff that operate the engines during operations. Communicate with them in order to obtain information relevant to the general steering of the ship.
Sector-specific
32 competencesadhere to traffic regulations on inland waterways
Understand and apply traffic rules in inland waterway navigation in order to ensure safety and avoid collisions.
analyse reports provided by passengers
Analyse reports submitted by passengers (i.e. on unforeseen occurrences or incidents such as vandalism or theft) in order to inform strategic decision making.
assess stability of vessels
Assess the two kinds of stability of vessels, namely transversal and longitudinal.
assess trim of vessels
Assess the trim stability of vessels, referring to the stability of a vessel while it is in a static condition.
calculate the amount of cargo on a vessel
Determine the weight of cargo on tanker ships and cargo vessels. Calculate the exact amount of loaded cargo or cargo to be discharged.
communicate mooring plans
Prepare crew briefings on mooring plans and division of labour. Provide the crew with information on protective gear such as helmets and safety goggles.
compose stowage plans
Compose stowage plans; knowledge of ballast systems and cargo loading process.
conduct analysis of ship data
Collect information from a vessel's management software and cross reference it to analyse the data from different points of view and inform decision-making.
digital
conduct water navigation
Ensure that a vessel carries up to date and adequate charts and appropriate nautical documents. Lead the process of preparing the voyage report, the vessel passage plan, daily position reports, and the pilot's information sheet.
coordinate the itineraries of vessels
Develop, manage, and coordinate the itinerary of vessels worldwide together with other stakeholders.
distinguish ship construction methods
Distinguish various methods of constructing vessels and how this affects their behaviour in the water in terms of strength and stability.
distinguish various types of ships
Recognise and name various types of vessels common in European maritime transport. Understand the different characteristics, construction details, and tonnage capacities of different vessels.
ensure integrity of hull
Ensure sure that water does not break through the hull; prevent progressive flooding.
ensure safe loading of goods according to stowage plan
Monitor and ensure the safe and secure loading of materials and goods, as specified in the stowage plan.
ensure vessel compliance with regulations
Inspect vessels, vessel components, and equipment; ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
ensure vessel security
Ensure that security requirements for vessels are met according to legal norms. Check if the security equipment is in place and operational. Communicate with marine engineers to ensure that the technical parts of the vessel functioning effectively and can perform as necessary for the upcoming journey.
manage environmental aspects of inland waterway transportation
Consider ecological aspects of the operation of ships in order to use vessels in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Understand environmental aspects when navigating inland waterways.
green
manage vessel cargo activities
Manage and oversee the safe and punctual loading and unloading of cargo from vessels in port.
manipulate sails on vessels
Manipulate sails using ropes or other tools in order to control vessel direction and speed.
navigate European inland waterways
Navigate European waterways in accordance with navigation agreements.
plot shipping navigation routes
Plot the navigation route of a vessel under the review of a superior deck officer. Operate a ship radar or electronic charts and automatic identification system.
digital
provide on-board safety training
Develop and implement on-board safety training programmes.
read stowage plans
Read and comprehend content of stowage plans to stow various types of cargo.
recognise abnormalities on board
Identify anomalies and abnormalities on board, evaluate them, and take appropriate actions to restore normal operation of ship. Check all (safety) systems for operational functions. Organise actions to be taken in the event of an identified problem.
restrict passenger access to specific areas on board
Delimit access points for passengers on board and implement an effective protection system; prevent unauthorised access to restricted areas at all times.
secure cargo in stowage
Secure cargo stowage with basic knowledge of stowing methods; ensure efficient and safe transport of goods.
steer vessels
Operate and steer vessels such as cruise ships, ferries, tankers, and container ships.
undertake navigation safety actions
Recognise unsafe situations and perform follow-up actions according to the safety regulations. Immediately warn ship management. Use personal protective and rescue equipment.
use meteorological information
Use and interpret meteorological information for operations dependent on climatic conditions. Use this information to provide advise on safe operations in relation to weather conditions.
green
use modern electronic navigational aids
Use modern navigational aids such as GPS and radar systems.
digital
use radar navigation
Operate modern radar navigation equipment to ensure safe vessel operations.
digital
use water navigation devices
Utilise water navigation devices, e.g. compass or sextant, or navigational aids such as lighthouses or buoys, radar, satellite, and computer systems, in order to navigate vessels on waterways. Work with recent charts/maps, notices, and publications in order to determine the precise position of a vessel.
digital
Cross-sector
2 competencesprepare safety exercises on ships
Plan and perform regular safety exercises on passenger and commercial ships; maximise safety in potentially dangerous situations.
provide first aid
Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.
Optional skills and competences 10 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesanalyse travel alternatives
Analyse prospective improvements in journey efficiency through reduction of travel time by modifying itineraries and outlining alternatives.
secure ships using rope
Use rope to secure and untie the ship before departure or upon arrival.
verify qualifications of water transport crew
Verify the qualifications of a ship's crew and officers, in accordance with the regulatory requirements. Define whether passengers or cargo are being transported.
Cross-sector
7 competencesact reliably
Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.
create a work atmosphere of continuous improvement
Work with management practices such as continuous improvement, preventive maintenance. Pay attention to problem solving and teamwork principles. Empower teams to identify opportunities and then drive the process to improve the results.
have computer literacy
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
digital
implement environmental protection measures
Enforce environmental criteria to prevent environmental damage. Strive for the efficient use of resources in order to prevent waste and reduce costs. Motivate colleagues to take relevant steps to operate in an environmentally friendly manner.
green
maintain updated professional knowledge
Regularly attend educational workshops, read professional publications, actively participate in professional societies.
manage staff
Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
use maritime English
Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.
- Scope note
- Interpret information received in English by any means to perform technical functions on board or respond to contingencies: written and oral information (face to face or radio among others). Complete writen information in English for the release of the vessel and the management of vessel activity. Express in English to steer the boat, transmit orders safely and to solve relief and emergency situations. Use seaspeak according to the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases.