CEVNI Inland Waterway Rules

What is CEVNI?

CEVNI (Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieure) is the European Code for Inland Waterways, published by UNECE. It provides standardised rules for navigation on rivers, canals, and interconnected lakes across Europe.

While COLREGs govern vessels at sea, CEVNI applies to inland waterways. Some countries adopt CEVNI directly; others have national regulations based on it. Understanding CEVNI is relevant for:

• Lithuanian VVK (vidaus vandenų keliai) and LBS laivavedžio exams
• ICC (International Certificate of Competence) with inland endorsement
• Boating on European rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Meuse, and connected waterways
• Canal cruising in France, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and other EU countries

Key Differences: CEVNI vs. COLREGs

CEVNI differs from sea-going COLREGs in several important ways:

• Current considerations: On rivers with significant current, downstream vessels (going with the current) are often favoured because they have reduced manoeuvrability
• Blue board/flag system: Used to request starboard-to-starboard passing instead of the default port-to-port
• Different signage: CEVNI uses distinctive waterway signs (prohibition, mandatory, restriction, recommendation, information)
• Overtaking rules: Generally to port (passing on the left of the vessel being overtaken) unless otherwise indicated
• VHF procedures: Standardised radio channels on major commercial waterways

Meeting (Head-On) – Article 6.04

The default rule when vessels meet head-on:

• Default: Port-to-port – vessels pass on each other's port (left) side, each keeping to starboard
• On rivers with current, the downstream vessel (going with the current) typically indicates the side for passing first, as it has less control

Blue board / Blue flag / Scintillating light

When a vessel displays a blue board (or blue flag by day, or a bright scintillating white light by night), it is requesting to pass starboard-to-starboard instead of the normal port-to-port:

• The vessel showing the blue signal is typically the upstream vessel requesting the downstream vessel's agreement
• The other vessel should show the same signal to agree
• If agreement is reached, both vessels alter course to pass starboard-to-starboard

This system is particularly important on rivers where current, channel depth, or obstacles may make the standard port-to-port passing unsafe.

Overtaking – Article 6.10

When one vessel overtakes another:

• Default: Overtake to port – the overtaking vessel passes on the port (left) side of the vessel being overtaken
• The overtaking vessel must keep clear and is responsible for safe passing
• Sound signals may be used to request permission to overtake (see Sound Signals below)
• If the vessel being overtaken agrees, it should facilitate the overtaking
• Overtaking to starboard may be permitted by local regulations or when the port side is obstructed

Waterway Signs

CEVNI uses a system of signs displayed on banks or in the water:

Prohibition signs (red border/background)

• No entry – red circle or two red lights vertically
• No overtaking – two parallel arrows crossed out
• No meeting/passing – two opposing arrows crossed out
• No anchoring – anchor symbol crossed out
• No mooring – bollard symbol crossed out
• No wash/speed restriction – wave symbol crossed out

Mandatory signs (red border, white background)

• Keep to indicated side – arrow pointing direction
• Stop – red octagon (e.g., before locks)
• Sound signal required – horn symbol

Restriction/recommendation signs

• Recommended channel – diamond shapes
• Depth indication – number in rectangle
• Speed limit – number in circle

Information signs (square, often blue)

• Mooring permitted
• Anchoring permitted
• Turning area
• Lock ahead

Lights and Day Marks

CEVNI vessel lights are similar to COLREGs with some variations:

Basic vessel lights

Special signals

• Blue board/flag + scintillating white light: Request for starboard-to-starboard passing
• Red flag or red light: Vessel carrying dangerous goods (specific categories indicated by number of lights/cones)
• Yellow flashing light: High-speed vessel
• Blue flashing light: Authority/official vessel

Sound Signals

CEVNI sound signals for manoeuvring:

• One prolonged blast: Attention/warning
• One short blast: I am altering course to starboard
• Two short blasts: I am altering course to port
• Three short blasts: My engines are going astern
• Four short blasts: I am unable to manoeuvre
• Repeated short blasts: Danger/distress

Overtaking signals

• Two prolonged + two short: Request to overtake on your port side (I will pass to your left)
• Two prolonged + one short: Request to overtake on your starboard side (I will pass to your right)
• One prolonged + one short + one prolonged + one short: Agreement to being overtaken

Note: Sound signal conventions can vary between waterway authorities. Always check local regulations for specific waterways.

Locks and Bridges

• Observe approach signs and signals (often traffic lights: red/green)
• Wait at designated waiting areas until permitted to enter
• Reduce speed to minimise wash
• Moor securely inside locks; keep lines tended but not too tight (water level changes)
• Keep clear of lock machinery, gates, and other vessels
• For opening bridges: know VHF channel and signal procedures

General Conduct

• Vessels should generally keep to the starboard side of the waterway
• Small craft should not impede larger commercial vessels that can only navigate safely in the main channel
• Observe speed limits and no-wash zones
• Give way to ferries crossing the waterway (in many jurisdictions)
• Be aware that local regulations may supplement or modify CEVNI rules

Study with SailPrep

Learn CEVNI rules efficiently with flashcards and quizzes:

• Waterway sign recognition cards
• Light and day mark identification
• Interactive scenario quizzes
• Progress tracking for exam preparation

Download on the App Store · Get it on Google Play

Related Guides

• COLREGs Quick Revision – sea navigation rules
• CEVNI — przepisy śródlądowe (Polish)
• Buriavimo egzaminas Lietuvoje (Lithuanian)