Courses for boatmen and boatmasters From your first service record book to the boatmaster certificate.
Everything we offer in one place. For each course you can see how long it takes and when the next one starts, and for courses taught in German also the price (excl. VAT). Courses take place in Hlohovec, selected ones also in Děčín.
Let me know about new datesChoose your course.
Courses for boatmen
First steps to a job on board: basic safety training, the training course and the passenger navigation expert course.
3 courses- Basic safety training Your first step to working on a ship. In three days you complete basic safety training and get your first service record book, so you can start work on a passenger or cargo vessel. Next date 4–6 Nov 2026 in progress · + 1 more Taught in Slovak
- Training course A three-year training course in six semesters. You work on board while you study, and you get from apprentice to the boatmaster’s UNION patent in half the usual time. Start 2026 · 2027 €5,000 / year
- Passenger navigation expert course Passenger navigation expert course for crews of passenger and excursion vessels. Passenger safety and handling emergencies on board under EU rules. Next date 2–4 Dec 2026 in 27 days €1,490
Courses for boatmasters
UNION, Radar and M patent, plus the small craft and yacht licence course. Everything for your way to the bridge.
4 courses- Boatmaster course – UNION patent Boatmaster course for the UNION patent, the EU certificate that qualifies you to command a vessel on the inland waterways of the European Union. Theory and practice are taught by working boatmasters. Next date 9–17 Nov 2026 in 4 days €6,500
- Radar patent course Course for the Radar patent. You learn to navigate safely by radar, in fog and at night. Training and exam take place at our academy. Next date Date by arrangement €2,490
- M patent course Course for the M patent, which allows you to command a vessel on inland waterways with a maritime character. Training and exam take place at our academy. Next date Date by arrangement €2,490
- Small craft and yacht licence course Preparation for the Czech small craft licence (Vůdce malého plavidla, VMP). The course takes place in the Czech Republic with our partner lodnik.cz. Next date Dates at our partner lodnik.cz Taught in Slovak
Additional courses
Certificates and training that open more doors: ADN, LNG, radiotelephony, first aid, health and safety, languages and sessions on a certified ship-handling simulator.
7 courses- ADN course ADN course for crews carrying dangerous goods on inland waterways under the ADN agreement. Next date 6–11 Dec 2026 in 31 days Taught in Slovak
- Radiotelephony course Radiotelephony course for inland navigation. It prepares you for the radio operator’s certificate and for correct radio communication on board. Next date Dates published by 15 November Taught in Slovak
- LNG expert course LNG course for crews of vessels powered by liquefied natural gas. Two days that prepare you for the new generation of ships. Next date Course coming soon
- Simulator sessions Sessions on your own on a certified ship-handling simulator. Ideal preparation for the practical part of the boatmaster exam. Next date Date by arrangement Taught in Slovak
- First aid course First aid course for ship crews. On the river, help is often far away, so everyone on board must be able to help. Next date 5 Nov 2026 starts today · + 1 more Taught in Slovak
- Health and safety training Health and safety training for work on board, so you come home safe from every trip. Next date 6 Nov 2026 starts tomorrow · + 1 more Taught in Slovak
- Language course – EN, DE, NL, FR English, German, Dutch or French, focused on communication on board and in international shipping. Next date Date by arrangement Taught in Slovak
No course matches this selection. Try another type, classroom or word.
Courses take place in Hlohovec, selected ones also in Děčín. Prices exclude VAT. Administrative fees are paid directly to the Slovak Transport Authority or the Czech State Navigation Administration (SPS).
Want to hear about new dates and courses?
Leave us your e-mail and we will write when we open a new date or a new course. Courses taught in German run in Hlohovec, with dates by arrangement.
Not sure which course is right for you?
Call our registration team. We will tell you where to start, and for several courses one application is enough.
Zuzana Panák
German
