Boatmaster course UNION patent From helmsman to boatmaster in two weeks.
One week of practice on a certified ship-handling simulator and one week of theory under the new EU legislation. An intensive course for helmsmen who want the UNION patent (Union certificate of qualification as boatmaster) and with it the right to command a vessel on the waterways of the European Union.
You take the exam on the simulator you trained on.
The boatmaster exam now includes a practical part, where you show that you can really handle a ship. At TMLG Academy you take it on the certified ship-handling simulator in Hlohovec, which you will know down to the last button after a week of practice.
We teach theory according to the current EU delegated directive, so the questions and requirements are exactly the ones you will face in the exam. You learn from experienced instructors and captains, from navigation and legislation to the practical handling of a vessel.
Two weeks that take you to the bridge.
In two weeks you complete the simulator preparation and the theory under the new EU directive. You then take the practical exam on the same simulator you trained on.
- The practical exam takes place on the certified simulator you trained on.
- You learn from working captains, with theory under the directive in force since 2023.
- TMLG Academy arranges the whole exam for you. You do not deal with any authority yourself.
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01
Week 1 · Mon – Fri · 08:00 – 15:00
Practice on the simulator
- Five days on the certified ship-handling simulator in Hlohovec.
- You practise handling and commanding a ship in simulated situations, exactly what the practical exam asks of you.
- The practical part includes both the preparation and the practical exam.
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02
Week 2 · Mon – Fri · 08:00 – 15:00
Theory under the new directive
- Five days of theory under the EU delegated directive, with the questions and requirements that apply since 2023.
- Navigation, legislation and vessel handling with instructors who are boatmasters themselves.
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GoalApply now
UNION patent. The helm is yours.
The simulator, the classroom and the people who teach you.
The bridge of the certified simulator and the instructors who will prepare you for the exam.
What you need before you apply.
This course is not for beginners. You can only take the boatmaster exam if you hold the required qualifications, so we ask to see them when you apply for the course.
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01
Rank of helmsman
The boatmaster course builds on the rank of helmsman. If you do not have it yet, start with the training course.
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02
Radio operator’s certificate
Without it you cannot take the boatmaster exam. You can do our radiotelephony course in one day.
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03
Trips and sailing days
The required trips downstream and upstream and the required number of sailing days.
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04
Application
Online using the form below, or by phone with Zuzana Panák on +352 661 566 000.
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Two weeks in Hlohovec
One week of simulator practice, one week of theory, then the boatmaster exam.
There is nothing to be afraid of, we will guide you through the whole process. And the practical preparation on the simulator will definitely be more fun.
Hear it from those already on the water.
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Capt. Matúš Pohuba prepared me for the UNION patent. He knows exactly what the exam will ask of you. I passed, and today I command my own vessel. It was the best step in my career. If you are hesitating, don’t be afraid to start. The river pays you back.
Gabriel NozdrovickýFirst TMLG Academy graduate with the UNION patentCourseBoatmaster course – UNION patent -
I work on a ship for TMLG Group and I’m taking the boatmaster courses one at a time. So far the simulator has given me the most: I can try handling the ship before I need it for real. Step by step, I’m building a career on the river.
Matúš AchbergerWorks at TMLG Group · taking the boatmaster courses one by oneCourseBoatmaster course – UNION patent
almost 100%pass rate after the full preparation
Do not go into the exam blind. Capt. Matúš Pohuba will prepare you so that you know exactly what the examiners want from you.
Frequently asked questions about the boatmaster course
What is the boatmaster course for the UNION patent?
An intensive two-week course that prepares you for the boatmaster exam under the new legislation. In the first week you practise on a certified ship-handling simulator, in the second week you focus on theory under the EU delegated directive. The UNION patent (Union certificate of qualification as boatmaster) entitles you to command a vessel on the waterways of the European Union.
Can someone without experience apply?
No. You need the rank of helmsman, a radio operator’s certificate, the required trips downstream and upstream and the required sailing days, otherwise you will not be admitted to the boatmaster exam. If you are just starting out, the way to boatmaster is the training course.
What has changed in the boatmaster exams since 2023?
The theory has been completely revised, so the questions and requirements are different from before 2023. A practical exam with simulations and ship handling has been added. The radar exam has changed too: it has new theory and also a practical part.
Can I take the boatmaster exam and the radar exam at the same time?
No. First you complete the preparation and the exam for the UNION patent. The boatmaster exam is very extensive and demanding, so it cannot be combined with the radar exam. Once your patent is issued, we will prepare you for the Radar patent (specific authorisation for radar navigation) and then for the M patent for inland waterways with a maritime character.
How much does the boatmaster course cost?
The 10-day course costs €6,500. Prices exclude VAT.
Where does the course take place and how long is it?
At TMLG Academy in Hlohovec (M. R. Štefánika 31, 920 01 Hlohovec), where we have a certified ship-handling simulator. The course lasts 10 days, Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00.
When is the next course date?
We agree the course date individually with the instructor. The exams usually follow straight after the preparation, at TMLG Academy. Fill in the application below and we will get back to you.
Which patents can you prepare me for?
Besides the UNION patent, we also prepare you for the Radar patent and the M patent.
Who can I contact with questions about the course?
For questions about the content, schedule and requirements of the course, ask head instructor Capt. Matúš Pohuba (+421 917 166 721, matus.pohuba@tmlgacademy.eu). Applications are handled by Zuzana Panák in German (+352 661 566 000) and Agáta Jendrichovská in Dutch (+352 661 565 000).
