CA launches new European Inland Waterways Emergency Guidance
- Updated by Ann MacKellar
- 31 Mar 2026
Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling when the engine falters or the propeller grinds to an abrupt halt? Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make all the difference when cruising Europe’s inland waterways.
To support boaters in these moments, the Cruising Association’s European Inland Waterways Section (EIWS) has published a new free guidance note on ‘Coping with Emergencies on the European Inland Waterways’.
This practical guidance notes covers maintenance and other tasks to be carried out in order to reduce risks; safety and other equipment for embarking on the waterways. It provides clear actionable advice and guidance to be taken in the event of engine or propulsion failure, how to alert other waterway traffic to one’s plight and steps to tackle the problem, including where to seek assistance.
The guidance forms part of a comprehensive and highly regarded series produced by the EIWS, a specialist section of the CA dedicated to supporting members exploring Europe’s 30,000km network of inland waterways. Drawing on extensive member experience, the EIWS offers authoritative, first-hand advice for those new to inland cruising and seasoned waterway travellers.
The full range of free guidance notes cover topics including:
- Trip planning on the European Inland Waterways
- Sources of information on the European inland waterways
- Coping with Emergencies on the European inland waterways
- Planning for long-term cruising
- Wintering in the European Inland Waterways
- VHF and ATIS (Automatic Transmitter Identification System)
- CEVNI rules
- Sources of Information on the Netherlands Standing Mast Routes (SMR)
- Amsterdam vignette for pleasure craft
- Using the Waterkaarten Nederlands app
- Tips for cruising the French inland waterways
- Transiting the Kiel Canal
All the CA guidance notes include extensive links to a wide range of further resources on inland cruising in Europe and can be downloaded as free PDFs using the links above or browse on the European Inland Waterways Section (EIWS) web page.
Discover all the European Inland Waterways Cruising Guides
The EIWS also produces a range of Cruising Guides covering the inland waterways of Belgium, France, Germany and The Netherlands, together with a series of guides to mooring on the French inland waterways. You can view and purchase all the guides in the CA Shop.
