A new EU crewing system for inland waterways?

On 29 and 30 September 2014 the ETF organised its annual Inland Waterway seminar in Paris, which addressed the future crewing regulation in preparation of the upcoming CCNR (Central Commission for the navigation on the Rhine) Round Table debate on5 November 2014.

Representatives of all key stakeholders – EBU, ESO as employers organisations – and Ms K Moosbrugger on behalf of the CCNR – presented their views on the matter. 23 participants formulated a trade union reply. The seminars’ conclusion constitute the ETF position during the CCNR Round Table.

The headlines of the ETF position are:

• We need a uniform European IWT crewing regulation
• No new regulations without additional and appropriate controlling capacity
• FAIR PLAY is the core demand of the sector
• Changes only through meaningful dialogue
• The impact of the new technologies on board need to be properly and objectively assessed
• Adequate solutions for the booming passenger side of the industry where safety is lifted to an entire different level
• Excellence must be the key driver, meaning quality must prevail in the are of qualifications and skills
• Prior basic training before obtaining a certificate is elementary
• A more in depth analysis is needed on the future demands of the sector
• Multitasking is completely out of the question as is a one-manned vessel
• The maximum sailing time in A1 should be lowered to 12 hours maximum (now 14).