How to Become a Canal Boat Captain in Europe

07/12/08  Print this post Print this post    1 Comment   Popular   Written by Craig Martin
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Photo by ptomlins

Feature photo by abmiller99

Ever wanted to try floating 50 tons of steel down a narrow canal?

Summer is the time to hit the waterways of Europe and here is how to do it.

Listen to this short podcast to find out what qualifications you need to put a boat in the water.

ICC training centres in Britain can be found through the Royal Yachting Association.

Testing in a foreign language is difficult, but if you are multilingual you should be able to find a CEVNI/ICC testing centre in a canal near you!

If, like most of us, you can’t afford the rental costs associated with canal boating, gather some ideas for working along the canals of France and the rest of Europe. Why not try finding work on the water by working as a lock-keeper or working on a hotel barge?

This can be a great way to meet new people, hone your language skills and still enjoy the slow, relaxing life of a canal boat.

 
icon for podpress  Canal Boating In Europe: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Enjoy more podcasts by checking out the traveler’s notebook on iTunes.


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About the Author

Craig Martin

Craig Martin has been living on the road since leaving Auckland, New Zealand in February 2006. In fact, he hasn’t slept in the same bed for more than two weeks all year! He podcasts at the indie travel podcast.

1 Comment... join the discussion!

  • John Barnett replied on July 14, 2009

    Some boatyards oin the English Canals offer helmsman courses too. You get treated like Royalty as far as the food is concerned and get to handle a canal boat tiller as well and the cost can be a lot less than a weeks hire.

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