Binnenschifffahrtskapitän/Binnenschifffahrtskapitänin

Future Binnenschifffahrtskapitäne and -kapitäninnen are trained in a dual system (dual vocational training). Learning locations include the training company (usually freight and passenger transport companies in inland navigation): decks, engine rooms, cargo holds, cockpits, passenger areas, and the Berufsschule (vocational school): classrooms. Please note: Vocational school classes are partly conducted in cross-state specialized classes. Currently, for the Bundesländer (federal states) of Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, and Saarland, training takes place at the Schiffer-Berufskolleg Rhein in Duisburg-Homberg (Nordrhein-Westfalen). For the Bundesländer of Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thüringen, training is at the Berufsbildende Schulen "Otto Allendorff" in Schönebeck (Sachsen-Anhalt). Source: Overview of Cross-State Specialized Classes (As of: March 27, 2025).

This is a recognized vocational training occupation. The type of training is a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) in inland navigation, regulated by a training ordinance. The training duration is 3.5 years. Learning locations are the training company and the Berufsschule (vocational school) (dual training). In this profession, inland navigation captains navigate and maneuver ships on all major rivers, canals, and connected inland lakes. When steering inland vessels, they rely on navigation systems such as radio, radar, clock, or compass, as well as shore fix points and maps. In cooperation with the inland boatmen and boatwomen on board, they ensure the functionality of ship equipment and operational technology by analyzing damage to machinery and systems and taking appropriate maintenance measures. Furthermore, captains plan and supervise the loading and unloading of ships and the transport of passengers. In doing so, they are responsible not only for the safety of passengers but also for the crew.

The job title is Binnenschifffahrtskapitän/in. It is a recognized vocational training occupation with a duration of 3.5 years. In this profession, inland navigation captains navigate and maneuver ships on all major rivers, canals, and connected inland lakes. When steering inland vessels, they rely on navigation systems such as radio, radar, clock, or compass, as well as shore fix points and maps. In cooperation with the inland boatmen and boatwomen on board, they ensure the functionality of ship equipment and operational technology by analyzing damage to machinery and systems and taking appropriate maintenance measures. Furthermore, captains plan and supervise the loading and unloading of ships and the transport of passengers. In doing so, they are responsible not only for the safety of passengers but also for the crew. They ensure the latter, among other things, by specific means.

3.5 years

The Ausbildung (vocational training) is conducted in parallel at the training company and the Berufsschule (vocational school). Vocational school classes take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpts from the training framework plan and curriculum include: In the 1st and 2nd year of training at the company, trainees learn to observe shipping signs and traffic rules, especially on inland and sea waterways, and to use optical and acoustic signals; to identify malfunctions of devices, machines, and systems and take measures to eliminate them; to perform calibration measurements and calculate cargo weights based on ship calibration certificates; to collect consumption data, determine the need for operating and auxiliary materials as well as consumables, and prepare orders; to prepare and carry out the assembly of components and assemblies according to technical documents; to assist in supervising people in emergency situations; to work respectfully in a team, also considering cultural identities; and to assess the quality of work performed.

No costs are incurred for the execution of the Ausbildung (vocational training). The training company provides the necessary training materials for the practical part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, trainees must bear the costs of learning materials for vocational school classes and for work clothing themselves. Additionally, costs may arise if training locations are far from their place of residence. In certain life situations, trainees may receive Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (vocational training allowance). For more information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

During the vocational training (Ausbildung), apprentices learn how to navigate vehicles and plan journeys, how to apply, control, and document vehicle equipment. They also gain knowledge on how to plan and supervise the loading and unloading of vehicles, how to maintain ship hulls and their systems, and how to maintain mechanical and technical systems as well as ship engines. They learn how to organize and supervise ship operating technology and operational processes, how to transport people and goods, how to foster the onboard social community, how to implement quality assurance measures, and how to prepare for, act in, and lead in emergency situations. Throughout the Ausbildung, knowledge on topics such as rights and obligations during training, organization of the training company, and environmental protection is also imparted. In vocational school (Berufsschule), further job-specific knowledge is acquired.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements in this profession: In the company (Betrieb), practical participation (under guidance) is required, e.g., carrying ropes, weighing anchor, cleaning the deck. The environment involves changing workplaces on board: outdoors on deck, in the engine room with noise, in the cargo hold, on the bridge, and in the passenger area of watercraft. Clothing often includes protective gear (e.g., hearing protection, gloves, safety shoes, life jacket). Working hours can be irregular, and longer absences from home may occur. Requirements include a sense of responsibility (e.g., checking operational safety to prevent hazards), prudence and concentration (e.g., perceiving and considering the surroundings when navigating in harbors, through locks, or narrow passages), observational accuracy and attentiveness (e.g., monitoring important instruments during ship navigation), decision-making ability and reaction speed (e.g., recognizing and reacting to dangerous situations), and technical understanding (e.g., when performing maintenance).

Apprentices can complete parts of their Ausbildung abroad, for example: in various European countries. An internship abroad is possible as part of the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in'. The duration is at least 3 weeks. A prerequisite for access is a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). Further information on the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is available.

The Ausbildung remuneration for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. If the Ausbildung takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational school or as a basic vocational training year BGJ in the 1st year of Ausbildung), no Ausbildung remuneration is paid. Example for inland shipping (monthly gross): 1st year of Ausbildung: 1,085 €, 2nd year of Ausbildung: 1,242 €, 3rd year of Ausbildung: 1,401 €, 4th year of Ausbildung: 1,551 €. Source: ver.di, as of September 2025. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet). Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for a successful Ausbildung: Mathematics: e.g., to plan cargo or calculate fuel consumption. Manual Arts/Technology: e.g., to maintain technical systems on board. Geography: e.g., to read waterway maps.

The additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is aimed at apprentices with at least a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). It expands the initial Ausbildung with intercultural competencies and offers apprentices the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this purpose, apprentices attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, e.g., in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a multi-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber (Kammer) provides further information, e.g., on 'Europaassistent/in'.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Binnenschifffahrtskapitän/in (Inland Waterway Captain): In the field of Ship and Shipping: Binnenschiffer/Binnenschifferin (Inland Waterway Boatman/Boatwoman), Hafenschiffer/Hafenschifferin (Harbor Boatman/Boatwoman), Schiffsmechaniker/Schiffsmechanikerin (Ship Mechanic), Fischwirt/Fischwirtin Fachrichtung Küstenfischerei und Kleine Hochseefischerei (Fisherman/Fisherwoman specializing in Coastal and Small-Scale High Seas Fishing). Commonality: Operating, maintaining, and repairing ships and ship technical systems. In the field of Transport, Storage, and Logistics: Fachkraft für Hafenlogistik (Port Logistics Specialist). Commonality: Supervising the loading and unloading of ships.

2020: Amendments to the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) (Vocational Training Act) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) (Crafts Code) included the introduction of a minimum Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration and the expansion of possibilities to complete Ausbildung (vocational training) in part-time. 2022: The Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation for the profession of Binnenschifffahrtskapitän/in (Inland Waterway Captain) came into force. The Ausbildung (vocational training) takes place in industry and commerce and qualifies for management-level requirements. The focus of the Ausbildung (vocational training) is on nautical science and ship control. 2024: The Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetz (Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act) came into force with adjustments to the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) (Vocational Training Act) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) (Crafts Code). These include the legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile Ausbildung (vocational training) and the introduction of an assessment and certification procedure (vocational validation) for individual professional competence based on the standard of a recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession, regardless of a formal vocational training qualification.

Binnenschifffahrtskapitän/in (Inland Waterway Captain) is a 3.5-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in inland shipping (Ausbildung (vocational training) area of industry and commerce).

Qualification Title: Binnenschifffahrtskapitän/Binnenschifffahrtskapitänin (Inland Waterway Captain)

Improve Opportunities with Additional Qualifications: Aspiring Binnenschifffahrtskapitän/in (Inland Waterway Captains) can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung (vocational training), for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law through the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" (European Assistant). Find the Right Employment: After their Ausbildung (vocational training), Binnenschifffahrtskapitän/in (Inland Waterway Captains) work in freight and passenger transport companies in inland shipping, in (inland) port operations and authorities, and at Wasser- und Schifffahrtsämter (Water and Shipping Offices). Secure Employability: Through adaptive further training, one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from ship traffic to cargo securing. Advance Professionally: Upward further training helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is a natural step to take the examination as a Binnenschiffermeister (Inland Waterway Master Boatman).

In 2024, there were 51 Ausbildung (vocational training) starters. 41 percent had Hochschulreife (higher education entrance qualification), 35 percent had a mittlerer Bildungsabschluss (intermediate school leaving certificate). 18 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (secondary school leaving certificate). Ausbildung (vocational training) starters 2024 (in %): Hauptschulabschluss* [18.0%] 18, mittlerer Bildungsabschluss [35.0%] 35, Hochschulreife [41.0%] 41, Other [6.0%] 6. *Depending on the Bundesland (federal state), also referred to as (Einfache) Berufsbildungsreife, Berufsreife, Erfolgreicher Abschluss der Mittelschule, Erster (allgemeinbildender) Schulabschluss. Source: The information is based on data from the Datensystem Auszubildende (DAZUBI) (Trainee Data System) of the Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB) (Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training).

There are legal regulations and recommendations for this vocational training (Ausbildung). These include the Ordinance on Vocational Training for Inland Waterway Captains (Binnenschifffahrtskapitänausbildungsverordnung - BinSchKapAusbV) from March 2, 2022, and the framework curriculum for vocational training in inland navigation, including for Inland Waterway Captains, as decided by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz) on December 17, 2021.

Legally, no specific prior education is required for this vocational training (Ausbildung).