Course for boatmasters M patent For rivers where you meet seagoing ships.
For boatmasters who want to navigate inland waterways with a maritime character too, for example in the Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp area or in Hamburg.
Where the river meets the sea, maritime rules apply.
Inland waterways with a maritime character are river stretches where you meet seagoing ships, for example between Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp, or in Hamburg. Maritime signals, marks and rules apply here.
The M patent (specific authorisation for inland waterways with a maritime character) confirms that you know them. Boatmasters of cargo vessels and passenger cruise vessels sailing these stretches need it, and it is recognised internationally.
You start on Monday, the exam is on Friday.
We take care of everything: you do the preparation and the exam with us in Hlohovec. There is nothing to arrange separately.
- Course and exam in one place, at TMLG Academy.
- When you pass the exam, we give you a certificate.
- TMLG Academy takes care of everything else. You do not deal with any authority yourself.
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01
Monday and Tuesday
Classes in Hlohovec
- Face-to-face classes in the TMLG Academy classroom in Hlohovec.
- The instructors go through all the key topics you need for the exam.
- Signals, marks and rules you must know wherever you meet a seagoing ship.
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02
Wednesday and Thursday
Self-study
- You get full course notes and study materials to work through at home.
- You revise the topics covered and prepare for the test.
- You can ask the instructors by email or online.
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03
Friday
Final exam
- The exam takes place in the TMLG Academy classroom in Hlohovec.
- A written test checks your theoretical knowledge.
- In the oral exam you show that you understand the basic principles and how they fit together.
The price of €2,490 excl. VAT covers both the preparation and the exam.
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GoalApply now
M patent. Even where the river ends in the sea.
From the UNION patent to the M patent.
The M patent is issued after you have completed the boatmaster course. If you are not a qualified boatmaster yet, start with the Boatmaster course – UNION patent.
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01
Boatmaster qualification
The M patent builds on the UNION patent (Union certificate of qualification as boatmaster). It is an additional authorisation for boatmasters.
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02
Agree a date
We agree the date individually with the instructor.
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03
Send your application
Online using the form below, or by phone with Zuzana Panák on +352 661 566 000.
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04
Pay for the course
By bank transfer or in cash, on the first day of the course at the latest.
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05
One week
Classes on Monday and Tuesday, self-study on Wednesday and Thursday, the exam on Friday.
Together we are stronger!
Hear it from those already on the water.
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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
Questions about the M patent? Ask a boatmaster.
M patent FAQ
What are inland waterways with a maritime character?
River stretches where you may meet seagoing ships, for example the ARA area (Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp) or Hamburg. On these stretches you must know the sound and light signals of seagoing ships, their marks and the rules.
Why do I need the M patent?
You need it if you want to navigate a cargo vessel or a passenger cruise vessel as boatmaster on inland waterways with a maritime character. The M patent confirms that you can lead the vessel and crew safely on these stretches. It is recognised internationally.
Who can apply?
The M patent is issued after you have completed the boatmaster course, so this course is for boatmasters. If you do not have the UNION patent yet, start with the Boatmaster course – UNION patent.
How does the course work?
The whole course fits into one week. Monday and Tuesday are face-to-face classes in Hlohovec, Wednesday and Thursday are for self-study with the course notes you receive, and Friday is the final exam.
Do I have to come to Hlohovec on Wednesday and Thursday too?
No. These two days are for self-study at home. You get full course notes and study materials, and you can ask the instructors by email or online.
What does the exam consist of?
Two parts. A written test checks your theoretical knowledge, and in the oral exam you show that you understand the basic principles and how they fit together. The exam takes place on Friday in the TMLG Academy classroom in Hlohovec.
How much does the course cost?
€2,490 excl. VAT. The price covers both the preparation and the exam.
When is the next date?
There are no fixed dates: we agree the date individually with the instructor. Send your application and we will get back to you.
Can I do the Radar patent as well?
Yes. We also run the Radar patent course: two days of preparation on a certified ship-handling simulator and the exam on the third day, also in Hlohovec.
Where does the course take place?
At TMLG Academy in Hlohovec (M. R. Štefánika 31, 920 01 Hlohovec, Slovakia).
Who can I ask about the course?
For questions about content, schedule and requirements, contact the instructor, Capt. Ing. Martin Mikloš (+421 904 326 638, martin.miklos@tmlgacademy.eu), or the head instructor, Capt. Matúš Pohuba (+421 917 166 721, matus.pohuba@tmlgacademy.eu). For registration, contact Zuzana Panák in German (+352 661 566 000) or Agáta Jendrichovská in Dutch (+352 661 565 000).
