Brussels,

Social dimension

The European Commission is working to enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of careers in inland waterway transport (IWT) by improving social conditions, harmonising qualifications, and supporting workforce development across the EU.

Key Objectives:

• Improve Working and Living Conditions
  EU initiatives aim to modernise the IWT sector by ensuring decent work, fair treatment, and social protection for workers, many of whom operate across borders.
• Attract New Talent
  The sector faces a demographic challenge, with an ageing workforce and a shortage of young professionals. Modern training and mobility schemes are intended to reverse this trend.
• Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications
  Through Directive (EU) 2017/2397, the EU has introduced a uniform system for training and certifying inland navigation workers.
• Digital Register for Crew Documents
  A European database of qualifications helps ensure transparency and mobility of certified professionals.
• Social Dialogue
  The EU supports structured discussion between employers and workers via the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for IWT, strengthening cooperation on employment conditions, safety, and workforce planning.

Useful links

• Directive (EU) 2017/2397 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 on the recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation and repealing Council Directives 91/672/EEC and 96/50/EC
  
• Directive (EU) 2021/1233 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 July 2021 amending Directive (EU) 2017/2397 as regards the transitional measures for the recognition of third-country certificates
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/473 of 20 January 2020 supplementing Directive (EU) 2017/2397 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the standards for databases for the Union certificates of qualification, service record books and logbooks
• Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2020/12 of 2 August 2019 supplementing Directive (EU) 2017/2397 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the standards for competences and corresponding knowledge and skills, for the practical examinations, for the approval of simulators and for medical fitness
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/182 of 14 January 2020 on models in the field of professional qualifications in inland navigation
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/184 of 22 November 2021 amending Annex IV to Directive (EU) 2017/2397 of the European Parliament and of the Council
• Inception impact assessment for an initiative on digital tools for inland navigation
• Council Directive 2014/112/EU of 19 December 2014 implementing the European Agreement concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport, concluded by the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF)
• Council Directive 87/540/EEC of 9 November 1987 on access to the occupation of carrier of goods by waterway in national and international transport and on the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications for this occupation
• Central administration of social security for Rhine boatmen
• EU social dialogue for inland waterway transport
• CESNI and ESQIN
• Education in inland navigation - Edinna
• IWT Platform – info brochure on Directive (EU) 2017/2397 in English, German, Dutch and French