Recognition and modernisation of professional qualifications in inland navigation: Implementation Appraisal

Briefing 22-01-2016

The existing EU legislation on professional qualifications in inland navigation is diverse, as are the bodies that adopt the rules applicable to the profession of boatmaster: EU, Member States and river commissions with the status of international organisations. As a consequence, this may lead to a situation where there are different requirements for the profession of boatmaster on various rivers. This has an impact on the labour mobility in this sector, but it can also influence the attractiveness of this work as such. Despite the endeavour of various bodies, such as the Central Commission for the Navigation on the Rhine, to mutually recognise the professional qualifications in inland navigation, the legislation remains fragmented and outdated. Studies show that broader harmonisation in the field of the professional qualifications in inland navigation is necessary as it could bring more clarity and transparency and, as a result, help to create jobs. One of the ways to achieve such harmonisation could be an amendment of the existing European legislation.