Code Européen des Voies de Navigation Intérieure (CEVNI) is the code governing navigation on the interconnected European inland waterways.
Signs, rules and procedures for navigating many of the European inland waterways are all included within the CEVNI and in the same way as pleasure craft on coastal waters are expected to abide by the COLREGS, pleasure craft on many of the inland waterways of Europe, which in places are heavily utilised by commercial traffic, are expected to know the CEVNI as this is the basis of many of the various countries' own regulations.
Resolution 40 requires that candidates applying for an ICC with the inland category validated have sufficient knowledge of the traffic regulations applicable on inland waters, in particular the CEVNI. The CEVNI is not covered in any of the RYA’s courses, even those specific to inland waterways, as these regulations are not in use in the UK. It is therefore necessary to have a separate theory test on the CEVNI regulations.
There is however no separate CEVNI certificate or CEVNI endorsement. Passing the ICC CEVNI test simply allows the Inland category on your ICC to be validated, thereby indicating that you have demonstrated knowledge of the traffic regulations applicable on inland waters, in particular the CEVNI, as required by the Resolution.
All candidates requiring the inland category validated must pass the ICC CEVNI test irrespective of whether the regulations are in force in the country or on the river, lake or canal where they intend to go boating.
The ICC CEVNI Test
You can arrange to take the ICC CEVNI test through RYA recognised training centres and affiliated clubs that are authorised to carry out the test.
The RYA ICC CEVNI test is a multiple choice paper. Costs for the CEVNI test will vary between organisations (RYA recognised training centres and RYA affiliated clubs).
There are two options:
Take the test in person at an RYA recognised training centre or an affiliated club authorised to carry out the test; or
Many RYA recognised training centres or affiliated clubs authorised to carry out the test can provide you with access to take the test online remotely from home or anywhere in the world.
The "RYA European waterways regulations (the CEVNI rules explained)" publication G17 provides the information you need to learn the code in a clear and concise way - a sample paper can be found at the back of the book.
Arranging to take the CEVNI test online
It is possible to take your CEVNI test online, anywhere, anytime as an alternative to the paper-based test. You can find a CEVNI test centre using the 'Where's my Nearest' search at the top of this page. Contact your chosen centre, pay them for your test and they will then give you access to the test.
Once you have completed the CEVNI test, you will be told immediately whether you have been successful or not. Follow the on-screen instructions for details of how to get your ICC validated for inland waters.
Arranging to take the paper based test
To arrange to take a paper based test, you will need to find a convenient CEVNI test centre using the 'Where's my Nearest' search at the top of this page.
Once you have taken the test, the training centre/club will confirm your successful completion of the test by signing the relevant section of the ICC application form - there is no separate certificate.
Send your signed application form together with the other items required for your application or renewal to the RYA Certification Department.
In addition to the passing the CEVNI test, for an ICC to be issued you must present a qualifying RYA practical course completion certificate or pass an ICC assessment at an RYA recognised training centre and be eligible to be issued with an ICC.
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