Inland navigation inspection: requirements, assessment and validity
Anyone sailing professionally on inland waterways needs a valid medical certificate. This so-called inland navigation medical examination is mandatory for anyone applying for or renewing an EU qualification certificate, service booklet, large sailing license or Rhine patent. This article explains what the examination entails, how long it is valid, and what happens if you are found (temporarily) unfit.
What is being assessed?
The examination focuses on medical fitness for boating under frequent physical and mental stress. The physician assesses:
- Vision – including color vision; for example, for those who need to recognize lights or signals.
- Hearing – essential for communication and safety signals.
- Locomotion – can you climb stairs, bend over, move freely on board?
- Chronic conditions – such as diabetes, epilepsy or heart disease: are they under control, do they pose a risk?
- Medication use – drugs that affect alertness, orientation or reaction time may be objectionable.
How does the assessment work?
The doctor fills out the official CESNI form. This only states the outcome and any functional limitations – never a diagnosis. The statement can read fully fit, limited fit or unfit. Any limitations are coded according to CESNI, such as for tasks that cannot be performed independently.
If in doubt, the doctor may request additional examination or request information from an attending physician. In complex cases, collegial consultation may take place, but there is no formal role for an inland medical advisor as exists in maritime medicine.
How long is an inland navigation inspection valid?
The medical certificate is valid for up to 13 years, as long as it expires before reaching 60. After that, mandatory re-examinations apply:
- at ages 60, 65 and 70;
- from 70 years of age: every 2 years.
In practice, this means that a person who gets examined at 54 can get a validity of up to 6 years (until the mandatory re-examination time at 60).
The validity is linked to the duration of the EU qualification certificate. The doctor may always issue a shorter duration in case of doubt or medical circumstances.
What if you are rejected?
If you are declared medically unfit, you will receive a written statement with reasons. You will then not be allowed to sail in positions for which medical fitness is required.
You can request a re-inspection from a designated referee shipping within 6 weeks. This doctor is independent and was not involved in the initial inspection. The outcome of the re-inspection is binding.
Note: unlike in maritime navigation, there is no possibility of exemption in inland navigation in case of permanent rejection. The rules are strict: those who do not meet the medical requirements are not allowed to sail.
And with the small boat license?
The small boat license usually does not require a medical examination. In that case a health declaration is sufficient. Only if there is reason (for example in case of illness or at the request of the CBR), an additional medical assessment may be required.
Summary
A proper inland medical examination is more than a check mark on a form. It is about safety, responsibility and clarity. The requirements are strict but transparent, and with proper preparation, you will rarely encounter any surprises. Do you have doubts about your health, a previous rejection or medication use? Then get timely advice from a doctor familiar with the inland navigation rules.
Take the step to safety today: Schedule your medical at OmniHealth
Take the step to safety today: Schedule your medical at OmniHealth
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