EIWTP Representatives participated online and in Strasbourg, including in the CESNI/QP/Crew meeting on 9 September and the CESNI/QP meeting on 10 September 2026. 

Supporting consistent implementation of professional qualifications 

The coordination discussions on 7 September focused on the implementation of the Professional Qualifications Directive and differences in national approaches to training and examinations. 

One topic was the proposed shared database of examination questions. There is currently insufficient support for a system requiring all Member States to contribute questions and use the database, as some countries are still adapting their training programmes and examination structures differ. The proposed approach is to encourage wider use of the questions already developed, laying the groundwork for a possible future database. 

A clarification is also planned for the FAQs for medical examiners concerning the possibility of specifying a limited period of medical fitness. This would support a more consistent approach to cases requiring medical monitoring, building on the amendment to the model medical certificate approved by CESNI in April 2026. 

Participants also discussed differences in the recognition of radiotelephony certificates and preparations for a meeting of examination boards in February. 

Photo Credit: Maxim Van den Bossche
Developing future crewing requirements 

On 9 September, CESNI/QP/Crew continued examining the initial draft of a European Commission recommendation covering definitions, operating modes and minimum crewing requirements for motor vessels. 

Discussions highlighted the need to account for larger vessels. The current draft draws on a proposal developed with the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) in 2023 and would introduce a new Group 4 covering vessels longer than 110 metres and wider than 14.90 metres, as well as vessels longer than 135 metres regardless of width. An additional deckhand is proposed for these vessels. 

The revised table is expected to be presented at the CESNI meeting on 15 October 2026. Further work will consider how vessel equipment and digital records could support greater flexibility in crewing arrangements. 

Belgian authorities also demonstrated an initial app prototype that could provide a digital alternative to paper logbooks and service record books. 

Preparing for digital crew documents 

At the CESNI/QP meeting on 10 September, the European Commission provided an update on the implementation and evaluation of the Professional Qualifications Directive and outlined plans to amend it to enable the use of digital tools. 

Work also continued on a description of the engineer's role, which features in crewing tables but is not currently covered by the Directive. Clarifying this role would support the development of further crewing tables, including for passenger vessels. An initial draft will be discussed at a follow-up online meeting, with finalisation envisaged by the end of October 2026. 

A development timeline for digital tools was presented, identifying where input is needed from Member States and the sector. This work will draw on earlier contributions and existing national systems, including those developed in Belgium and the Netherlands, to support the transition towards digital logbooks and service record books. 

 EIWTP Social & Education Committee representatives: Henriëtte Schreuders, Gerit Fietze and Dirk Uwe Klaas