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CEVNI: inland rules and signs

CEVNI is the European model code for safe navigation on inland waterways, covering signs, vessel signals and rules of the road.

Reviewed by Ramon Curto, Nautical teacher at IECNPC · Last reviewed:

Summary for study, based on CEVNI Revision 6 (ECE/TRANS/SC.3/115/Rev.6); national police regulations (e.g. Rhine RheinSchPV/RPR, Danube DFND) may differ.

Sign trainer

A.1 · 1/30

Worked example

12

At a B.6 board showing 12, your maximum speed relative to the bank is 12 km/h. At a constant 12 km/h, 1 km takes 5 minutes; current changes the engine setting you need.

1 km ÷ 12 km/h × 60 = 5 min

Annex 7: five sign families

A · Prohibitory

  • A.1 · No entry

  • A.2 · No overtaking

  • A.4 · No meeting or overtaking

  • P

    A.5 · No berthing on this side

  • A.6 · No anchoring or dragging anchors, cables or chains on this side

  • A.7 · No making fast to this bank

  • A.8 · No turning

  • A.9 · Avoid wash and suction

  • A.12 · No motor vessels

  • A.15 · No sailing vessels

B · Mandatory

  • B.1 · Proceed in the arrow’s direction

  • B.5 · Stop as required by the regulations

  • 12

    B.6 · Do not exceed 12 km/h relative to the bank

  • B.7 · Give a sound signal

  • B.8 · Exercise particular caution

  • VHF

    B.11 · Use VHF radiotelephony

C · Restrictive

  • C.1 · Limited water depth

  • C.2 · Limited headroom

  • C.3 · Limited channel or passage width

  • C.4 · Restrictions: read the supplementary board

  • 40

    C.5 · Keep 40 m away from the board

D · Recommendatory

  • D.1 · Recommended passage: traffic in both directions

  • D.2 · Keep within the indicated space

  • D.3 · Proceed in the recommended direction

E · Informative

  • E.1 · Entry permitted

  • P

    E.5 · Berthing permitted on this side

  • E.6 · Anchoring permitted on this side

  • E.7 · Making fast to this bank permitted

  • E.11 · End of a prohibition, obligation or restriction

  • E.15 · Motor vessels permitted

How CEVNI works

CEVNI stands for Code européen des voies de la navigation intérieure. UNECE publishes it as a model for harmonising navigation on rivers, canals and lakes. It is not a single law that automatically applies everywhere in Europe. Before you travel, check the rules enacted by the country and the waterway authority, current notices, bridge openings and lock instructions. A familiar sign does not remove that responsibility.

Annex 7 groups signs by function: A prohibits, B requires, C restricts, D recommends and E informs. Learn the symbol and its scope together. A.5 prohibits berthing, including anchoring or making fast, on the side where it stands; A.6 specifically addresses anchoring and dragging anchors, cables or chains. An arrow, distance board or supplementary text can define where the instruction applies. These drawings show selected board variants.

For example, B.6 with the number 12 limits speed relative to the bank to 12 kilometres per hour. Over one kilometre, constant travel at that speed takes five minutes: time equals distance divided by speed. This is a study calculation, not a safe speed recommendation. Reduce speed further when traffic, visibility or wash requires it. C.1 and C.2 warn of limited depth and headroom; check actual available clearances.

Inland signals need their own reading. One long blast means attention; one short blast means altering course to starboard, two to port, and three means engines working astern. A towing vessel can carry a yellow stern light under the inland towing rules. A blue board or flag, with the prescribed white flashing light, indicates a starboard-to-starboard meeting arrangement. Small craft have specific obligations to leave other vessels manoeuvring room; do not apply sea-going sailing priority mechanically.

The Rhine, Danube and Moselle have their own police regulations, including RheinSchPV/RPR, DFND and Moselle rules. Learn their differences before a trip. For an ICC validated for inland waters, CEVNI knowledge is assessed by the issuing body; the RYA administers this assessment in the UK. This guide targets that study need, without claiming a national question count, pass mark or official question bank. Compare COLREG Rules 9, 18, 24 and 34 to understand related sea-going concepts.

Frequently asked questions

Is CEVNI a law for all Europe?

No. CEVNI is a model code; national and river regulations determine the applicable rules.

Which edition is this based on?

Revision 6, document ECE/TRANS/SC.3/115/Rev.6. The UN document viewer is linked below.

Do Rhine and Danube rules differ?

Yes. Check RheinSchPV/RPR, Danube DFND and the rules for your actual route, including the Moselle.

What do the five families mean?

A prohibits, B requires, C restricts, D recommends and E informs. Supplementary boards matter.

What does the blue board mean?

It signals a starboard-to-starboard meeting arrangement with the prescribed white flashing light. Small-craft rules and local requirements still apply.

Is one long blast a turning signal?

No. Inland, one long blast means attention. Course alterations use short blasts.

Does sail always have priority inland?

No. Small craft must leave other vessels the room they need; check the inland rules for the encounter.

Are these official ICC questions?

No. These are original study questions. Your issuing body sets the ICC inland assessment requirements.

Sources