Reduction of Rhine and Elbe patents expected in 2025

Update December 5th 2024: The new regulations have been confirmed, you can read our article here.

New Regulations for the Rhine and Elbe Coming Soon

Germany and the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCR) are working on plans to improve accessibility on the Rhine and Elbe. Until now, skippers needed a special license, or “patent,” for certain high-risk sections to ensure they were well-versed in the challenges of these rivers. However, with improved technology and clearer waterway markings, this additional licensing is becoming less necessary. The CCR will make a final decision on December 5, 2024, regarding the potential removal of these patents for specific sections of the Rhine and Elbe.

If the proposal is approved, the new regulations for the Rhine will take effect on July 1, 2025. For the Elbe, implementation will take a few more months due to additional adjustments required in German regulations.

What Exactly is Changing?

On the Rhine, the patent will only be required for two specific sections: the Upper Rhine stretch between Wintersdorf and Mannheim (kilometers 335.66 to 425) and the stretch between Mainz-Kastel and Koblenz (kilometers 498.45 to 592). For other parts of the Rhine, skippers will no longer need a patent. This marks a significant shift, as the initial 520 kilometers of designated risk sections will be reduced to only 185 kilometers where a patent is still required. Similarly, on the Elbe, the patent will only be required on a few short sections around Dresden, Magdeburg, and near the mouth of the old Löcknitz.

Changes on sections for patent requirements on Rhine river Select an Image

source: https://www.ccr-zkr.org/files/documents/cpresse/cp20241030nl.pdf

Transition Period and New Examination Rules

For skippers who would typically be required to obtain a patent, certain changes apply during the transition period. Between the CCR's decision on December 5, 2024, and the official implementation of the new regulations in 2025, skippers will not face penalties for navigating without a patent on sections where it has been abolished. They will also not need to take exams for these sections; those already registered for exams will be notified.

The Rhine examination structure will also be updated. Oral exams will continue through February 2025. Starting in March 2025, exams will be written or electronic, and candidates must score at least 80% to pass. Oral exams for the Elbe, Danube, and Upper Weser will remain unchanged for now.

Why These Changes Now?

Research shows that enhanced waterway markings and modern navigation technologies such as radar overlay and Inland ECDIS have made the Rhine and Elbe significantly safer. As a result, the extra license is no longer necessary in many areas. Additionally, the rivers themselves have become easier to navigate due to deepening and widening efforts. The shipping industry has responded positively to the elimination of these patents, as it allows more flexibility in crew deployment and reduces costs.

Market Impact

This easing of regulations is welcome news for captains with a B-patent, as they can now operate up to Koblenz without needing an additional patent. Previously, only captains with a Rhine patent could navigate these sections, leading to a limited pool of captains and often high rates. With these changes, costs for replacement captains on these routes are likely to decrease, which benefits both the industry and efforts to address the captain and crew shortage.

See related reports on Schuttevaer (Dutch) and Elwis (German)

Read our article on required certificates and patents for inland navigation skippers