How many categories are there for inland waterway vessel driver's licenses?
2 Answers
Inland waterway vessel driver's licenses are divided into three categories. Here is more relevant information: 1. Classification basis: Divided according to vessel grade, including Class I Certificate of Competency, Class II Certificate of Competency, and Class III Certificate of Competency (i.e., vessels with 3000 gross tonnage or above or main propulsion power of 3000 kW and above, vessels with 500 to 3000 gross tonnage or main propulsion power of 750 to 3000 kW, and vessels with less than 500 gross tonnage or main propulsion power less than 750 kW). However, the competency certificates for watchkeeping sailors and engine-room ratings are only for vessels of 500 gross tonnage or 750 kW and above. 2. Division by navigation area: (1) Unlimited navigation area (any navigable waters at sea, including open ports of various countries and international navigable canals and rivers). (2) Near-sea navigation area (Pacific waters between 55 degrees north latitude and the Tropic of Cancer and west of 142 degrees east longitude, and Pacific waters between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator and east of 99 degrees east longitude and west of 130 degrees east longitude). (3) Coastal navigation area (China's near-shore navigation area, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and the waters of China's coastal ports). (4) Near-shore navigation area (i.e., Class A, B, C, D) for sailors and engine-room ratings, with only Class B and C (within 50 nautical miles from the Chinese coast or navigating the waters of Chinese coastal ports according to customary routes).
I've been sailing on inland rivers for over a decade. Inland waterway vessel licenses are mainly divided into three categories: The highest is Class A, which qualifies you to operate large cargo ships over 500 gross tons or vessels with main engine power exceeding 500 kilowatts. The intermediate level is Class B, for ships between 150 to 500 tons or with main engine power from 150 to 500 kilowatts. The most basic is Class C, only permitting operation of small boats under 150 tons or with main engine power below 150 kilowatts. I remember the Class B exam was particularly tough back then - we had to memorize over 30 different knot tying techniques and practice docking maneuvers on the river for two weeks. Young people learning to sail nowadays should definitely consult their local maritime authorities, as the exam content varies completely between each license class.
