River tourism on the rise, but boats stuck: no captains to be found

ROVIGO – AAA captains wanted. A few weeks after the official launch, the sailing season, seems to be at a standstill: beyond the weather, which certainly doesn’t help, what worries the sector is the lack of personnel, starting with those who govern and pilot the boats. An almost paradoxical situation in a country that lives on tourism and beauty, but unfortunately generalized as confirmed by Rudy Toninato, vice-president of Assonautica Internal waters of Veneto and Emiliaas well as a long-time European captain, with a long experience of river cruises along the Po and in the lagoon: «The problem is chronic and comes from afar, at least forty years – says Toninato – but today it is still felt more considered than the number of captains is decreasing without an adequate generational turnover. A situation not only Italian. For over a century, the Polesine was the Venetian area where one could find the greatest number of professional figures linked to inland waters such as cabin boys, engine engineers, young car pilots, motor ship engineers, boat masters, helmsmen and excellent authorized captains: having one from the province of Rovigo meant having the best on board.”

The profession, which today focuses on a 6/8 month season, still provides decidedly interesting salaries and does not require any particular studies, such as a degree: all that is needed is a high school diploma (some, however, only has the eighth grade) and a six months of boarding as a student sailor to access the authorized motor pilot exam, at the end of which, after a further two years on board, one can become authorized head helmsman or authorized captain.

GROWING DEMAND
«Why aren’t similar figures found anymore? Perhaps due to lack of information – Toninato remarks – but we must understand that with two and a half years of experience you can find stable, well-paid jobs not far from home, considering that we are talking about river cruises in the area”.
But that’s not all: the vice president of Assonautica Acque interna Veneto ed Emilia broadens the horizon: «Just like the captains, they also serve chefs, room staff, tour leaders and engineers, so the choice is really wide. With all due respect for every type of profession, here you can work in a team and in contact with nature, bringing home more than decent salaries. I am addressing those who are looking for new stimuli, perspectives and want to test themselves: this could really be the right path.”
The demand for river tourism and bike and boat tourism is also growing in Polesine: a highly appreciated way of visiting that started from northern Europe, but which is also gradually spreading in Italy. The lack of personnel could limit future development, putting the sector in serious difficulty when faced with requests to expand the offer. For all the necessary information you can contact Emanuele Negrini at 338-1919767.

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