certification for skippering a barge inland

[cannon]

Hi
Can any one help me find out what certification i need to skipper an 80 ft Barge on the French canalsm and zhere if needed i can do the coursesm practical and shorebasedm

I have my RYA day skippers and ICC for sailing but i think this will limit me
Thanks for any help you can give on this one.

 

[lockkeeper1964]

Hi,
Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School come very highly recommended. Roy May certainly knows his stuff and runs an excellent school. Tom, his understudy, is an extremely good teacher too. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
http://www.bishamabbeysailing.co.uk/

 

[No Regrets]

You'll need a Certificate d'Grande Bargemaster along with a basic Wine qualification... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Skyva_2]

Another vote for Bisham Abbey. Where do you want to take courses?

You need at least an inland ICC, including CEVNI test, for the size range of boat you intend to use. I think Bisham can provide a certificate for up to 24m, they have a 17m barge. Best to talk to them direct.

 

[Gumpy]

Normally an inland ICC with Cevni will suffice up to 24m, howver the French are a law unto themselves and you may need a GP licence over 20 metres.
Best people to speak to are Tam and Di at http://www.bargehandling.com/
as they run all the courses and are the only English school able to do the GP licence.

 

[changeman]

The CEVNI is all you need if you have ICC.
It is a simple 10 minute written test that you pay about £10 for at an approved centre.
If you buy the appropriate book and do a little study, you will pass it easily.
No need for expensive tuition.

 

[cannon]

Thanks for that, is my icc i recieved for my day skippers good, or do i have to do an inland waterway icc
Jim