Overview of inland waterway courses

By arrangement

The simulator training is a preparation for the practical exam ‘Conducting a journey - Boatmaster Inland Waterways’.

Habituation and training on the exam simulator

4 hours

€ 1.300

No requirements

Randi Buvens

Antwerp Maritime Academy

A: Noordkasteel Oost 6, 2030 Antwerpen

T: 0032 3 205 64 60

E: training@hzs.be

W: www.amacademy.be

Can be started at any time

The online stability module is a preparation for the practical exam ‘Planning a journey - Boatmaster Inland Waterways’.

Module stability 

Online access for 1 month 

€ 160 for one month access to the online module

No requirements

Randi Buvens

Antwerp Maritime Academy

A: Noordkasteel Oost 6, 2030 Antwerpen

T: 0032 3 205 64 60

E: training@hzs.be

W: www.amacademy.be

Can be started at any time

The recognised ‘Boatmaster Inland Waterways’ course is aimed at anyone who meets the minimum requirements (see below) and wants to work in inland waterways and advance to boatmaster. 

(If there are sufficient sailing days, a candidate can register directly for the exam. More information on exam preparations can be found under ‘E-course Boatmaster inland waterways’).

1. Navigation
2. Operating the vessel
3. Loading and unloading
4. Ship's electrics and engines
5. Maintenance and repair
6. Communication and management
7. Safety, health and environment
8. Practical module on board a training ship/traineeship/workplace learning

Pathway of 18 months in which 180 days of sailing time are accrued and the above modules are covered. Candidates are evaluated during this trajectory during four moments. Upon completion, 180 additional days of sailing time are expected before candidates can register for a final assessment. Those who pass this final assessment receive a boatmaster qualification certificate. 

Formula recognised inland waterways training:

Part 1: € 1.890

Part 2: € 1.890

Final assessment: € 300

Note: Those not yet in possession of a service booklet must take an additional three-day basic safety course for deckhands (€ 400).

Candidates should meet at least one of the following requirements:

• have completed 3 years of vocational training óf
• at least 5 years of work experience (in any sector) óf
• 500 days on board an ocean-going vessel as a deck crew member

Randi Buvens

Antwerp Maritime Academy

A: Noordkasteel Oost 6, 2030 Antwerpen

T: 0032 3 205 64 60

E: training@hzs.be

W: www.amacademy.be

23-24-25 July 2025

15-16 and 18 September 2025

Organised in collaboration with Brabo and De Scheepvaartschool, this course is designed to meet the minimum requirements for deckhand certification. Those who successfully complete this course can receive an EU-certified service booklet with the certification ‘deckhand’. Note: After completing the course, a medical certificate (maximum 3 months old) is required to apply for the service booklet.

• Use of PPE to prevent drowning
• Introduction to specific working conditions on board a ship
• Fire fighting on board
• Risks on board
• Handling hazardous substances on board a ship
• Basic First Aid

€ 400

3 days

Randi Buvens

Antwerp Maritime Academy

A: Noordkasteel Oost 6, 2030 Antwerpen

T: 0032 3 205 64 60

E: training@hzs.be

W: www.amacademy.be

Can be started at any time

Our online Expert Passenger Navigation course is aimed at anyone wishing to be on duty on board a passenger ship and authorised to take action in emergency situations. This course is an ideal preparation for the theoretical examination.

Trainees will have online access to the full e-learning platform:

1. Safety on board
2. Special provisions for passenger ships 
3. Communication

€ 270 for three months access to the online course

To participate in the online training: 

No requirements

Randi Buvens

Antwerp Maritime Academy

A: Noordkasteel Oost 6, 2030 Antwerpen

T: 0032 3 205 64 60

E: training@hzs.be

W: www.amacademy.be

Can be started at any time

Developed in collaboration with Brabo, our online training course Boatman Inland Waterways aims to provide interested and motivated individuals with professional training that prepares them for the theoretical examination to obtain the qualification certificate Boatman.

Trainees get online access to the full e-learning platform for three months:

1. Navigation
2. Operation of the vessel
3. Construction and stability
4. Engine and engine room
5. Loading and unloading
6. Safety, health and environment
7. Communication

3 months, thereafter renewable on a monthly basis

€ 490 for three months access to the online course

To participate in our online training: 

No requirements

To take part in the (external) examination:

Service booklet with Deckhand qualification certificate + 360 sailing days

Randi Buvens

Antwerp Maritime Academy

A: Noordkasteel Oost 6, 2030 Antwerpen

T: 0032 3 205 64 60

E: training@hzs.be

W: www.amacademy.be

Can be started at any time

Our online training programme Boatmaster Inland Waterways is aimed at boatmen or helmsmen with sufficient sailing time and is a preparation for the theoretical exam to obtain the qualification certificate Boatmaster.

For preparation for the practical exam, please refer to the ‘Simulator training’ module.

Trainees get online access to the full e-learning platform for three months:

1. Navigation
2. Operating the vessel
3. Loading and unloading
4. Ship electricity and engines
5. Maintenance and repair
6. Communication
7. Safety, health and environment

3 months, thereafter renewable on a monthly basis

€ 490 for three months access to the online course

To participate in our online training: 

No requirements

To participate in the (external) examination:

Service booklet with qualification certificate boatman + 540 sailing days

Service booklet with qualification certificate helmsman + 180 sailing days

Randi Buvens

Antwerp Maritime Academy

A: Noordkasteel Oost 6, 2030 Antwerpen

T: 0032 3 205 64 60

E: training@hzs.be

W: www.amacademy.be

This course teaches you to navigate independently with radar and electronic chart according to regulations and various vessel characteristics in all common situations on inland waterways. 

• Radar theory
• Radar displays
• Regulations
• Electronic chart display (ECDIS)
• Communication skills
• Exercises on the simulator

Half a day 

€ 1.300 

To participate in the exam:

• 18 years or older 
• Boatmaster qualification certificate
• Limited Certificate Radio Telephonist (VHF)

Randi Buvens

Antwerp Maritime Academy

A: Noordkasteel Oost 6, 2030 Antwerpen

T: 0032 3 205 64 60

E: training@hzs.be

W: www.amacademy.be

Can be started at any time

Our accredited Specifieke Vergunning Maritieme Aard course is aimed at people with a Boatmasters certificate of qualification or a boating licence B with the objective of obtaining a Specifieke Vergunning Maritieme Aard (extension to boating licence A).

We also offer online preparation for the op exam that can be taken at the Vlaamse Waterweg.

Trainees will have online access to the full e-learning platform:

1. Knowledge of charts and tides
2. Knowledge of regulations
3. Knowledge of SIGNI and IALA

3 months access to our online course

€ 490 for three months access to the online accredited training incl. exam

€ 270 for three months access to the online course as preparation for the external exam

To join the accredited online course: 

• Boatmaster Qualification Certificate
• Limited Certificate of Radio Operator (VHF)

The recognised online training course ends with a knowledge test. A score of 70% must be achieved to pass the test.

Randi Buvens

Antwerp Maritime Academy

A: Noordkasteel Oost 6, 2030 Antwerpen

T: 0032 3 205 64 60

E: training@hzs.be

W: www.amacademy.be