CEVNI certification

[chrisclin]

A few years ago I sat and passed the CEVNI test at our local RYA training school (now no more). I've been trying to find any proof that I had done this.
The only thing I can find is my ICC which is marked as Valid for Coastal Waters and Inland waters. Does that mean that I must have sent the Pass Certificate to the RYA? Will any foreign lock-keeper appreciate that this means that I am entitled to travel on their canals? And can I expect the RYA to issue a replacement ICC without any further proof?
So many questions - so little time!

 

[Gary Fox]

I've done a few Dutch barge trips over there, never got asked for a CENVI endorsement or ICC, most lock keepers and other officials wouldn't know it existed..I though you could do it online anyway? CEVNI is just a few obvious flags and signals, the vital one is a blue board or blue light which, displayed by a head on vessel, means 'I need to pass you green to green' and this is in regular use near sharp bends and junctions.

 

[chrisclin]

I've done a few Dutch barge trips over there, never got asked for a CENVI endorsement or ICC, most lock keepers and other officials wouldn't know it existed..I though you could do it online anyway? CEVNI is just a few obvious flags and signals, the vital one is a blue board or blue light which, displayed by a head on vessel, means 'I need to pass you green to green' and this is in regular use near sharp bends and junctions.

Yes, but what if an insurance claim crops up? That's when people will ask for every certificate under the sun - particularly with the current relations between the UK and Europe!

 

[vyv_cox]

If you have coastal and inland on your ICC you have passed the CEVNI. Ours were inspected twice on Canal du Midi, once when we obtained our permit at the Gironde and somewhere else along the way. France authority loves paperwork, which means there is a good chance it will be required. Not needed in Netherlands I believe.

 

[BirvidikBob]

We've been on the inland waterways of Holland, Belgium and France for five years and have never been asked for it once. When we were rear ended by a hire boat, the company asked for insurance but not an ICC.
Mind you - there's always a first time.

 

[Graham376]

And can I expect the RYA to issue a replacement ICC without any further proof?

Why don't you phone the RYA and ask them?

 

[Tranona]

There is no need. There is not a separate CEVNI certificate. As Vyv says, an ICC for inland waterways is the certification for meeting the requirements of CEVNI.

 

[chrisclin]

Thanks for the info. To be honest, I wasn't even sure that the RYA were involved in CEVNI certification. I'll just have to make sure I renew my ICC immediately it expires so they don't ask me for proof.

 

[Tranona]

If you had not taken the test your ICC (like mine!) would not show inland waterways! The certificate is issued by the centre that assessed you and record goes to the RYA so that when you renew you get a direct replacement.

 

[Gary Fox]

Yes, but what if an insurance claim crops up? That's when people will ask for every certificate under the sun - particularly with the current relations between the UK and Europe!

I was delivering an ex-cargo vessel from St Jean de Losne back to Wandsworth, to be used as a yuppy houseboat.
There were only two of us, plus my mate's little daughter and a random kitten.
Time was of the essence, and we ran from dawn to dusk. It was midsummer, the heat was baking and wine was cheap.
This particular vessel has a single lever control mounted athwartships, an obvious recipe for disaster to a strange crew.
Approaching a rural lock, open to let us in, I slowed down carefully..but actually I was opening the throttle in forward gear!
The DAF diesel roared , and we accelerated at full power into the closed downhill lock gates; I was merely a passenger at that stage, watching a disaster unfold with no control over events.
The barge stopped with an enormous bang, and the heavy wooden lock gates lifted almost, but not quite, off their hinges.
Huge waves sloshed about, but those lock gates didnt bust open, a tribute to Freycinet's conservative scantlings.
Peasants and officials, some armed, came running from all directions but relaxed when the cause of the almost sonic boom was explained. Apparently if we'd knocked off these gates, the fertile valley below would have been inundated enough to make 613 Squadron, RAF green with envy.
Laughter and much micky taking ensued, corks were pulled and cheese emerged, and I had to sign a bit of paper admitting full guilt for god knows what.
They never asked for our tickets, CEVNI or otherwise, and later we got on our way wiser if not soberer. nothing more was heard.
(The little girl on board at the time remembers it all as an entertaining incident; the kitten was never seen again..)

 

[Sea Devil]

I have never ever been asked for CEVNI or ICC... I don't think anyone will even with an insurance claim...

 

[LadyInBed]

done a few Dutch barge trips over there, never got asked for a CENVI endorsement or ICC

It is only the French VNF controlled waterways that require us to have a CEVNI endorsement. You can transit other French waterways that are not controlled by VNF, eg canal section of the Rance and Vilaine without CENVI or ICC.

 

[V1701]

Thanks for the info. To be honest, I wasn't even sure that the RYA were involved in CEVNI certification. I'll just have to make sure I renew my ICC immediately it expires so they don't ask me for proof.

Mine had expired when I got round to renewing it and the RYA were fine to issue me a new one, they said they only need to have seen the proof once...

 

[Sybarite]

If you have coastal and inland on your ICC you have passed the CEVNI. Ours were inspected twice on Canal du Midi, once when we obtained our permit at the Gironde and somewhere else along the way. France authority loves paperwork, which means there is a good chance it will be required. Not needed in Netherlands I believe.

As I understand it, the ICC is generally accepted but that this is tolerance rather than a right.

 

[Tranona]

As I understand it, the ICC is generally accepted but that this is tolerance rather than a right.

That is a very simplistic view. Some states have signed up to the UN ICC Resolution, others choose to accept it as proof of competence, for example for skippering boats under their flag, usually on charter - Croatia and Greece for example, However, the CEVNI aspect of it is accepted by all the waterways that belong to CEVNI which are primarily in Germany and France. But of course, France being France exempts non holders who are hiring boats on the canals where the hirer takes responsibility for checking competence!

Having said all that, given that getting an ICC (with or without CEVNI endorsement) is relatively painless it is sensible for those planning to sail outside the UK to get one because, like insurance you never know when it might be useful - as many have found out.