Summary
To be able to carry goods by inland waterway, a company must hold a certificate of access to the occupation of carrier of goods by inland waterway.
In order for the company to obtain this certificate, a staff member must hold a certificate of professional competence.
Key points
Period of validity of certificates of professional competence:
The certificate is valid for life.
Recognition of certificates of professional competence:
Certificates of professional competence issued pursuant to Council Directive 87/540/EEC of 9 November 1987 on access to the occupation of carrier of goods by waterway in national and international transport and on the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications for this occupation are recognised as being equivalent in Belgium.
In detail
1. Have a certificate showing basic management knowledge and a 6th year (final year) secondary education qualification certificate in inland navigation obtained from the École Polytechnique de Huy after 29 June 1999, or a certificate of studies in inland navigation from the Syntra school in Saint-Nicolas, or a certificate of studies in inland navigation from the Cenflumarin school in Zwijndrecht; or
2. Have 3 consecutive years of experience in the day-to-day management of a company carrying goods by inland waterway.
1. Print out and complete the application form;
2. Send the application form and the following documents to the navigation office:
- a photocopy of your identity card; and
- a photocopy of the qualification certificate showing basic management knowledge and a photocopy of the 6th year (final year) secondary education qualification certificate in inland navigation obtained from the École Polytechnique de Huy after 29 June 1999, or a photocopy of the certificate of studies in inland navigation from the Syntra school in Saint-Nicolas, or a photocopy of the certificate of studies in inland navigation from the Cenflumarin school in Zwijndrecht; or
- a declaration of professional competence based on professional experience acquired at another company; or
- a declaration of professional competence based on professional experience acquired at your own company.
- Council Directive 87/540/EEC of 9 November 1987 on access to the occupation of carrier of goods by waterway in national and international transport and on the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications for this occupation;
- Royal Decree of 16 January 1996 concerning access to the occupation of carrier of goods by waterway in the field of national and international transport.