Elevating and retractable wheelhouse inspections
According to (European) regulations (ES-TRIN 2025/1) (implemented as per 1-1-2026) Elevating and retractable wheelhouses and their appliances shall be inspected regularly, but at least once every twelve months, by a competent person. The safety of the installation is to be established by a visual check and a check on satisfactory operation. (Article 7.12.12 and Article 7.14.8 ES-TRIN 2025/1).
IVR, together with affiliated experts, inspectors, and wheelhouse manufacturers, has drawn up a harmonized verification list to ensure that all inspections are conducted with the same high standard.
IVR issues a certificate after a successful inspection. When the certificate is due for renewal, the skipper/owner must contact a wheelhouse inspection company affiliated with IVR. Once the inspection of the elevating and retractable wheelhouse has been conducted, the completed checklist is sent to IVR. If all the requirements on the verification list have been met, IVR will issue a certificate. This certificate is sent to the wheelhouse inspection company. The wheelhouse inspection company affiliated with IVR then ensures that the certificate is issued to the ship owner/ship. This allows for third parties to be demonstrated that an expert has conducted the legally required inspection.
Benefits for inland navigation companies
No infringement on the existing cooperation/relationship between shipowner and wheelhouse manufacturer.
An “Open System”: Any wheelhouse manufacturer/supplier can join if the company meets the set criteria.
The shipowner receives a high-quality and reliable inspection and therefore greater certainty that his/her elevating and retractable wheelhouse is demonstrably in good condition and meets the set requirements.
The shipowner knows that the wheelhouse inspector is audited every two years by an independent and neutral organisation.
The shipowner knows that the certificate is issued by an independent and neutral organisation.
In this way, the system contributes to safer and less prone to damage inland navigation.
Request for inspection of an elevating and retractable wheelhouse from the owner to the inspection company affiliated with IVR.
Inspection of the elevating and retractable wheelhouse in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Inspection company sends verification list to IVR with a request for a certificate.
IVR checks the verification list, and the ship and owner details.
If all criteria are met, a certified IVR certificate is sent.
Laws and regulations ES-TRIN 2025/1 / CESNI
The European Standard laying down Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation vessels (ES-TRIN 2025/1) states that elevating and retractable wheelhouses must be inspected annually by an expert, as stated in ES-TRIN Article 7.12(12) and Article 7.14(8). Chapter 7 contains all the applicable regulations to which the wheelhouse must comply.
Quality assurance
To continue to guarantee the quality of the inspections of elevating and retractable wheelhouses, IVR conducts biennial audits of the affiliated companies and regularly organizes evaluation sessions and courses for the parties involved.
Attention!
Collisions with bridges occur with some regularity. In some cases, the mechanism of an elevating and retractable wheelhouse plays a role in this. To limit these risks, the authorities have made periodic inspections mandatory and laid this down in legislation and regulations.
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Register as an inspection company
Any manufacturer or repair company of elevating and retractable wheelhouses can register with IVR as an inspection body. To be approved by IVR, the company must meet the specified quality criteria.
These quality criteria, which were drawn up in consultation with elevating and retractable wheelhouse inspection companies, include:
• Admission/continuation audit (once every 2 years)
• Organization and technology
• Staff qualifications, training, etc.
• Administrative requirements
Affiliated companies are listed on the IVR website with their logo and contact details.
Affiliated companies
IVR has developed an advanced computer system for registration of the international fleet data. This program offers many possibilities concerning the publication of vessel data by different means. On base of this program specific data exchange programs via internet can be developed.
Engine Registration System (ERS) has been initiated and developed by several insurance companies and IVR. By means of a centralised registration system of engine damages, information is gathered and shared between the participants of the system.The intention of this central registration system is to be able to take preventive measures in order to reduce claim-charges. This objective will be realised by:
· obtaining an overview of engine damages
· obtaining a better judgement of engine damages
· improving the recourse position of the joined parties and their policyholders
In this unique project insurers from all countries involved can cooperate. The organisational set-up and control of the database is handled by IVR as co-ordinating organisation in which insurance, shipping industry and shipping surveyors are represented. Find more information here or visit the ERS website.
IVR has proven experience and knowledge of Integrated Management Systems in both the area of the introduction and implementation of its own quality system as well as the development and implementation of Integrated Management Systems on board of barges.Based on this experience and know-how IVR can provide advice to various institutions and organizations.
Information transfer
Within the association the expertise available is being used in the interest of its members and interested parties.
In this context seminars, workshops and colloquia are organized on a regular basis.
