CEVNI: who needs it?

The answer is 'anyone using the waterways of mainland Europe' where the authorities are more disposed to checking certificates of nautical competence than we are in the UK. If you are planning a trip down the canals of France, for example, you are well advised to get CEVNI.

What is it? CEVNI is an acronym for 'Code Européen de Voies de la Navigation' and governs navigation on all interconnected waterways of Europe. The CEVNI is the "highway code of the inland waterways" and provides a set of signs, rules and procedures. It is a mandatory endorsement to the Inland ICC.

The International Certificate of Competence, ICC, is mandatory in some EU countries. It is proof to the authorities that practical and theoretical tests have been passed.

Both CEVNI and the ICC are issued in the UK by the RYA, and more details are available from them directly, or through their website, www.rya.org.uk.

The CEVNI rules are clearly explained in the RYA publication: European Waterways Regulations, which is available from the RYA shop price £6.50 (they also sell a pack of flip cards to help you revise!).

If you plan to take the CEVNI test, you will need to purchase the book and study it, especially the sample questions at the back.