All About Inland Navigation Certificates: UBC, CvO and CBB Explained

What Is an Inland Navigation Certificate?

An inland navigation certificate is an official document certifying that a vessel is technically safe and complies with all legal requirements to navigate inland waterways. Just as a car requires a technical inspection, vessels navigating rivers, canals or other inland waters must also be certified. Depending on the vessel type, size, purpose (commercial or recreational), and navigation zone, different rules apply.

Types of Inland Navigation Certificates

• UBC: Union Inland Navigation Certificate (current EU ES-TRIN standard)

• CvO: Certificate of Inspection (old Rhine Navigation standard, ROSR)

• CBB: Community Inland Navigation Certificate (former standard for non-Rhine EU waters)

Since 2020, only the UBC is issued. CvO and CBB remain valid until their expiry dates but are no longer renewable. A reinspection according to UBC standards is required thereafter.

Who Needs a Certificate?

Commercial Vessels:

• Cargo vessels
• Tankers
• Pusher and tugboats
• Passenger ships carrying more than 12 persons
• Pontoons, workboats, and floating equipment in commercial use

Pleasure Craft:

• Recreational vessels of 20 metres or more
• Or with a displacement of 100 m³ or more (e.g. converted freighters or large yachts)

Smaller pleasure craft do not require certification unless they meet the above criteria.

What Is the Union Inland Navigation Certificate ES-TRIN (UBC)?

The UBC is the current certificate issued under EU Directive rules and contains unified technical standards across the EU. The requirements are detailed in the ES-TRIN (European Standard for Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation Vessels).

Validity and Inspection:

• Valid up to 7 years (in the Netherlands, other countries use different maximum validity)
• Earlier reinspection required after damage, conversion, or change in use

Inspected Aspects:

• Vessel structure and stability
• Safety equipment: life-saving appliances, firefighting gear
• Navigation and communication systems
• Living quarters and engine room layout
• Emission and environmental standards

What Is the Certificate of Inspection (CvO)?

The CvO was standard until 2008 in the Netherlands and other Rhine states. It indicated compliance with Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) standards. CvOs remain valid until expiry, after which reinspection under UBC rules is required.

What Is the Community Certificate (CBB)?

The CBB applied to vessels mainly operating outside the Rhine, e.g. in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France. Like the CvO, CBBs are no longer issued and will be replaced by the UBC upon expiry.

Navigation Zones and Their Meaning

• Zone 1: Major open waters with sea influence (e.g. lower Danube). NL does not issue certificates for Zone 1.
• Zone R: The Rhine (high safety standards required)
• Zone 2 (NL): Major Dutch waters such as Wadden Sea, IJsselmeer, Western Scheldt
• Zone 3: Major canals and rivers (e.g. Amsterdam-Rhine Canal)
• Zone 4: Smaller regional waterways

Sailing areas can also be restricted, e.g. “Friesland only” or “Around Amsterdam”. This will be explicitly stated on the certificate.

Difference Between UBC, CvO and CBB

Why Is This Important When Buying or Selling a Vessel?

• Is the certificate valid?
• What is the expiration date?
• Which zone(s) is the vessel certified for?
• Is reinspection soon required?

A vessel without a valid certificate:

• May not operate
• Is difficult to insure
• Has reduced market value
• Recertification is often expensive and may no longer qualify for transitional rules

Doeve Brokers Assists You

Would you like to know which certificate applies to your vessel? Or are you looking to purchase a certified vessel for a specific navigation zone?

We assist with:

• Certificate status checks
• Reinspection guidance
• Purchase advice and assistance
• Appraisals based on market and inspection value

📞 Feel free to contact us for tailored advice — we know both the regulations and the practice.