CEVNI Test

You must pass this test to be allowed to navigate on most European inland waterways.

CEVNI stands for Code Europeen des Voies de la Navigation Interieure which translated into English is 'European Code for Navigation on Inland Waterways'. It is the European code for rivers, canals and lakes in Europe (not the UK). A boat captain is required to have a CEVNI endorsement on his / her International Certificate of Competence (ICC) to be allowed to navigate on most European waterways. This requires a test on the code, organised by the governing body of boating of each European country. In the UK this is the Royal Yachting Association.

CEVNI contains the core uniform rules applicable to the traffic on inland waterways, such as visual signs on vessels, sound signals and radiotelephony, waterway signs and markings, rules of the road, berthing rules, and prevention of pollution of water and disposal of waste.

So, if you want to travel on inland waterways such as the Canal du Midi, you need to prove that you understand these rules. The CEVNI allows you to access some of the most fascinating waterways in the world, but you do need the piece of paper before you can get out there and enjoy them.

For £25 the CEVNI test can be taken online. When you book and pay for the test, you will be issued with an enrolment key. You can practice the test as many times as you like before taking it for real online.