Language course The crew’s language Nautical terms and phrases in four languages.
The course is mainly for boatmen. You learn to talk to the boatmaster and your crewmates on board, in port and on the radio. We plan the scope around how well you speak the language today.
The river doesn’t stop at the border. Your language shouldn’t either.
On the Rhine, in Dutch ports or on French canals, your own language won’t get you far. And in an international crew, people usually speak English.
That is why we don’t teach school grammar but the language of the vessel: commands, manoeuvres, talking to the port and to crewmates from other countries.
Language from the deck, not from a textbook.
On board you have to communicate with the boatmaster and with crewmates from other countries. That is exactly what this course is for.
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01
On board
Talking to the boatmaster and crew
- You understand the boatmaster’s instructions and can confirm that you have understood them.
- You can talk to crewmates on deck during work, manoeuvres and mooring.
- Parts of the vessel, equipment and the commands you hear every day.
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02
In port
Talking to the port and authorities
- You can communicate at a lock, in port and during an inspection.
- You understand instructions and can ask when something is unclear.
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03
On the radio
Radio communication
- Short, clear reports that the other side understands.
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04
In the crew
Everyday conversation
- You can talk to crewmates from other countries outside work too.
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GoalRegister
A language you can really use.
No fixed dates. The course fits around you.
We don’t set fixed dates. You can register at any time and we agree the start and scope together.
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01
Choose a language and level
In the registration below, select the language and how well you speak it today. A rough guess is enough; nobody tests you.
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02
Tell us what you need it for
In the note, write your goal, for example working on a vessel abroad, and when the course would suit you.
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03
We get back to you
After you register, we contact you by phone or email.
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04
We agree the details
Together we agree the start and scope of the course.
Which language will you need?
English
The common language of international crews and foreign employers. Useful wherever people from different countries work together.
RegisterGerman
The language of Germany and Austria, so of a large part of the Danube, the Rhine and the Main. For boatmen from Slovakia or the Czech Republic, often the first foreign language at work.
RegisterDutch
The language of the Netherlands and northern Belgium, where the Rhine reaches the sea and where the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp lie.
RegisterFrench
The language of France with its dense network of canals, of southern Belgium, and one of the official languages of Luxembourg and Switzerland.
RegisterQuestions about the course? Ask the captain.
Language course FAQ
Which languages can I choose?
English (EN), German (DE), Dutch (NL) and French (FR).
How long does the course last?
We set the length individually. Register, select the language and your level, and write in the note what you need the language for. We then agree the scope together.
What will I learn?
Mainly nautical terms and phrases: commands and manoeuvres on board, communication in port and at locks, radio communication and everyday conversation with the crew.
Is the course only for boatmen?
The course is mainly for boatmen and people working in inland navigation. If you need the language for other work, say so in the note when you register and we will get back to you.
Why is a foreign language worth it for a boatman?
On waterways abroad people speak German, Dutch or French, and international crews often speak English. Knowing the language improves your chances of finding work, especially where you work with people from different countries or abroad.
When does the course start?
We don’t set fixed dates. After you register, we get back to you and agree the start of the course individually.
Do I need to know the language already?
No. In the registration you select whether you are starting from scratch or already know some of the language. We plan the course accordingly.
Who can I call?
For questions about course content, contact the head instructor, Capt. Matúš Pohuba (+421 917 166 721, matus.pohuba@tmlgacademy.eu). For registration and general information, contact Zuzana Panák in German (+352 661 566 000) or Agáta Jendrichovská in Dutch (+352 661 565 000).
