Everything You Need to Know About the Service Booklet in Inland Shipping

What is a Service Booklet and Why Do You Need It?

A service booklet is an essential document for anyone working in professional inland shipping. It is a personal document that officially records your sailing time, certifications, and voyages. This is not only important for demonstrating your experience but also for advancing your career in the inland shipping industry. In this article, we explain what a service booklet is, why you need it, and how to get one.

What is a Service Booklet?

A service booklet is mandatory for crew members of inland vessels, except for the skipper. It is an official, internationally recognized document that includes:

Personal information: such as medical declarations and contact details.

Professional qualifications: certificates and diplomas, such as the Rhine Patent, ADN specialist, or LNG specialist.

Sailing days and voyages: to prove your experience.

The service booklet is not just useful but often required when applying for a license or certificate.

Why is it Important?

Records Your Sailing Time: Your sailing time determines your role and qualifies you for exams or certifications. For a complete (sailing) year, at least 180 sailing days must be recorded.

Career Development: If you aim to advance to higher roles, such as skipper, helmsman, or engineer, a service booklet is essential to prove your experience.

Certifications and Permits: A service booklet is necessary for certifications like LNG, ADN specialist, and the Rhine Patent. It also records voyages required for extending permits to specific waterways. Read our article about all licenses and certificates.

How to Get a Service Booklet?

Applying for a service booklet is straightforward:

For crew members: If you don’t have one yet, you can apply through SAB. Documents such as copies of diplomas and a medical certificate are required.

For skippers: There is a separate service booklet for skippers, which also records sailing time for additional certifications or permits.

How Does It Work in Practice?

Filled in by the Skipper: While working, hand your service booklet to your vessel’s skipper. They will record the details of your trips, including departure and final destinations. This must be done before the next trip begins.

Inspection and Stamping: At least once a year, your service booklet must be inspected and stamped by an authorized authority. Don’t forget to bring a copy of your sailing time logbook for verification.

Tips and What to Do in Case of Loss

Full Booklet? Apply for a New One. If your service booklet is full, you can apply for a new one via SAB. Make sure to include your old booklet with your application.Lost Your Booklet? In case of loss, you need to file a police report. This document is required to apply for a replacement.

Summary

A service booklet is a mandatory document for anyone working in inland shipping. It serves as proof of your sailing time, certifications, and completed voyages. This is essential for obtaining positions, certifications, and permits within the inland shipping sector. Make sure your service booklet is always up-to-date, stamped annually, and correctly filled in. Don’t have a service booklet yet? You can easily apply for one via SAB.

Image source: https://www.sabni.nl