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Skipper fined for not speaking main language on public waterways

The 63-year-old Romanian skipper of the 'Danimex 3' was fined 1,500 Euros in a court in Middelburg. He did not speak the main language Dutch or English when he was sailing on the Western Scheldt. As a result, he followed instructions in the frame of international agreements for public waterways incorrectly, which apply to the Western Scheldt, the Lower Scheldt and the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, among others. This concerns the main language that must be spoken. The main language is Dutch or English. The Romanian skipper made three mistakes, starting on Feb 16, 2023, when he sailed on the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal. He was given instructions to ensure a safe passage. He was only able to communicate in very poor German, which is therefore not permitted. On April 21, 2023, the skipper made another mistake. On the Western Scheldt, near Terneuzen, communication was made with the Romanian via the radio. Again, he was unable to speak fluent and understandable Dutch or English. On April 25, he sailed on the Western Scheldt, near Hansweert. Here too, the man was unable to follow the instructions properly, which could have endangered the passage. Again, this happened because he did not or barely spoke the language of the ship. The skipper was not present in court. The officer demanded 360 Euros each for the three incidents. Because the skipper has not paid anything so far, the judge imposed a fine of 500 Euros each on the skipper for the three incidents. A total of 1,500 euros, to be replaced by ten days in prison.