Deksman Basisopleiding Binnenvaart (Vrijstelling EHBO)

The Deckhand Basic Training Inland Navigation (First Aid Exemption) provides practical safety training on inland vessels, focusing on firefighting, life-saving appliances and onboard emergency procedures. The first aid modules are excluded for participants holding a valid First Aid certificate.
The training emphasizes safe working practices, the use of personal protective equipment and awareness of vessel-specific risks. It complies with CESNI standards (Decision CESNI 2021-I-1) and Directive (EU) 2017/2397. Upon successful completion, participants receive the CBR-recognized Deckhand Safety (CESNI) certificate.

Exemption
Participants who hold a valid First Aid certificate are exempt from the first aid modules of the course.

Course duration: 3 days
Locations: Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 575,00 (excl. BTW)

Questions or need help? Send an email or call 0031 118 463382

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About this course

Deckhand Basic Training Inland Navigation (First Aid Exemption)

Introduction
During the training, participants learn to perform deck operations safely and responsibly. Under supervision of experienced instructors, they practice essential onboard procedures such as handling ropes, using life-saving appliances and operating firefighting equipment. The focus lies on hazard awareness, effective emergency response and teamwork on board.

Target Group
This course is designed for anyone who wishes to work as a deckhand in inland navigation and already holds a valid First Aid certificate.

Entry Requirements

  • No specific prior education required

  • Minimum age: 16 years

  • Valid ID and inland navigation medical certificate

  • Dry clothing for practical exercises

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Practical info

Entry Requirements

  • No specific prior education required

  • Minimum age: 16 years

  • Valid ID and inland navigation medical certificate

  • Dry clothing for practical exercises

Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive:

  • Deckhand Safety Training Certificate (CESNI/CBR)

  • Company Emergency Response (BHV) Certificate

Course Details
Duration: 2 consecutive days
Schedule: 08:30 – 16:30
Includes course materials, training equipment, lunch, coffee and tea (excluding VAT)

Language
The course is conducted in Dutch by default but can also be provided in English upon request.

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Day 1 - Safe Working Practices Onboard

The first day focuses on safety procedures and working conditions on board. Participants learn how to move safely around the vessel, handle ropes, winches, and anchor gear, and recognize hazards during deck operations. Emergency procedures, onboard communication, and the use of personal protective equipment are also covered. The day includes a guided tour of the training vessel with demonstrations of safe working practices.

Day 2 - Lifesaving Equipment and Survival Skills

Day two focuses on the use of lifesaving appliances and water survival. Participants practice donning lifejackets, launching life rafts, and carrying out water exercises, including survival positions and casualty recovery.

Day 3 - Fire Fighting

The final part focuses on onboard firefighting, the use of portable extinguishers, and safe actions when dealing with small fires. The training concludes with an evaluation and certification.

 

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Safe Working Practices Onboard
  • Day 2 - Lifesaving Equipment and Survival Skills
  • Day 3 - Fire Fighting

High-quality facilities that make a difference

With the best resources and facilities at our disposal, we are able to offer training and courses of the highest quality.

Get to know our facilities in Vlissingen

Our training locations are specifically designed to optimize your learning experience. With modern facilities, realistic training environments, and centrally located centers in Vlissingen and Groningen, we offer a professional and comfortable setting where practice and safety come together.

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Practical training with portable fire extinguishers

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Realistic training with portable fire extinguishers for small fire scenarios.

Practical training with portable fire extinguishers

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Participants learn how to safely and effectively extinguish fires using handheld and portable fire extinguishers. Training takes place in realistic outdoor fire scenarios, allowing trainees to experience firsthand how different extinguishers work and what their limitations are.

What makes this facility unique is the hands-on approach to a variety of fire situations — from small liquid and gas fires to solid materials. Participants not only practice firefighting techniques but also learn to assess safety, distance, and the appropriate extinguishing strategy.

Who is it for

The Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, and emergency response officers (BHV) who need to know how to control small fires quickly and effectively.

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What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Identify different types of fires and select the appropriate extinguishing agent

  • Use portable extinguishers (powder, foam, CO₂) effectively

  • Extinguish small liquid and gas fires

  • Approach safely and aim extinguishers accurately

  • Understand the limitations and capabilities of portable fire extinguishers

  • Ensure personal safety and assess risks during firefighting

All exercises are

Our instructors

The people behind the training.

Our experienced trainers challenge you to bring out the best in yourself. Our program coordinators are available to provide you with all information and to answer any practical questions regarding the training.

Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Ruud Kathagen
Maritime Instructor
Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor
Emile van Dooren
Instructor

Frequently asked questions

For some courses, you can choose VAT exemption. This means the training will be invoiced without 21% VAT. The exemption applies only to recognised vocational training programmes that fall under official supervision by organisations such as ILT, OPITO, GWO, or NOGEPA.

Choose VAT exemption if you are taking the course for professional purposes or as a private individual without VAT deduction rights.
Choose including VAT if you are booking on behalf of a company that can reclaim VAT from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.

Your invoice will then state:
“Exempt from VAT under Article 11, paragraph 1, section o of the Dutch VAT Act 1968.”

DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial sectors.

  • STCW – including Basic Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB/FRB), Medical First Aid, Medical Care and Security Awareness.
  • GWO – Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Sea Survival and Enhanced First Aid.
  • NOGEPA – Basic Offshore Safety, Helicopter Underwater Escape (HUET), Sea Survival, Fire-fighting and specialised refresher courses.
  • BHV/First Aid/VCA – Basic and refresher courses in Emergency Response, First Aid and Safety Certification for all sectors.

See the current course overview on our website or contact drtc@drtc.nl for advice on the right training for your needs.

For companies and individuals in all sectors (production, logistics, construction, and office environments) who wish to meet occupational safety requirements.

  • VCA: usually valid for 10 years
  • BHV: recommended or required annually by most organisations
  • First Aid: validity depends on the certification body, usually annual maintenance and reassessment within 2 years
    Exact validity details are listed per course.

Yes, we offer blended learning options combining online theory with a shorter practical session.

Bring valid identification and comfortable clothing. For forklift or aerial platform training, safety shoes are required. PPE will be provided where necessary.

Not required, but possible. Call us for advice or available options at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

Yes, we can. You can request this when booking or contact us by email or phone. We will arrange a suitable hotel and package for your stay.

Visit our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page for more information, or contact us at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

You can cancel your booking by contacting us via email or phone. For open enrolment courses you may cancel free of charge up to 5 working days before the start. For customised training you may cancel free of charge up to 14 working days before the start. If you cancel within those deadlines the full course fee will be invoiced.