As a Helmsman, you will need to master following:

• adhere to traffic regulations on inland waterways
• adjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles
• anchor ships to the port
• anchors used in inland water transport
• apply regulations on cargo transport operations
• assess stability of vessels
• assess trim of vessels
• assist anchoring operations
• assist passenger embarkation
• clean parts of vessels
• communicate reports provided by passengers
• distinguish ship construction methods
• distinguish various types of ships
• ensure integrity of hull
• ensure safe loading of goods according to stowage plan
• european classification of inland waterways
• evaluate engine performance
• facilitate safe disembarkation of passengers
• functions of vessel deck equipment
• help to control passenger behaviour during emergency situations
• inland waterway ship building
• international waterways
• maintain ship stability in relation to weight of passengers
• manage emergency situations on board
• manage vessel control systems
• national waterways
• navigate European inland waterways
• operate life-saving appliances
• passenger transport regulations
• physical parts of the vessel
• principles of cargo stowage
• restrict passenger access to specific areas on board
• stow cargo
• supervise loading of cargo
• supervise movement of crew
• supervise movement of passengers
• supervise unloading of cargo
• swim
• understand different types of locks and their operation
• unmoor vessels
• use equipment for safe stowage
• use meteorological information
• use modern electronic navigational aids
• use radar navigation
• vessel stability principles

More generally, a helmsman is also versed in:

• execute safety assurance exercises
• follow procedures in the event of an alarm
• international regulations for cargo handling
• moor vessels
• multimodal transport logistics
• national regulations on handling cargo

It also helps to know the following:

• detect malfunctions in engines
• electrical systems used in transportation
• encourage teambuilding
• environmental aspects of inland waterway transportation
• perform vessel maintenance and cleaning
• recognise abnormalities on board
• vessel fuels
• work in a water transport team
• act reliably
• apply conflict management
• comply with checklists
• have computer literacy
• implement environmental protection measures
• implement workplace drug policies
• perform risk analysis
• provide feedback on job performance
• provide first aid
• show confidence
• show intercultural awareness
• use different communication channels
• use maritime English