Pete Milne

TRIWV is far simpler than most people think and forms a common safety standard across mainland Europe. See http://www.barges-srf.co.uk/2.htm for a simple explanation. To go on the Rhine, the more stringent Rhine regulations apply; these are complex but unnecessary for many boaters. It is very unlikely that the UK will ever adopt TRIWV as the nature of the UK inland waterways is very different to those on the mainland. Pete

PS - To give you an idea what it's like, you'll find examples of the PP test questions here and a complete sample test here. In French, which is the only catch! Pete

As the ICC/CEVNI is principally required in France/Holland/Germany (and not in the UK), I suggest taking the French Permis Plaisance (PP) which includes CEVNI and is accepted by Holland and Germany. The ICC itself is not essential but is the easiest route for UK citizens to qualify to cruise on European mainland waterways. See http://www.bargehandling.com/ for English-language training and more information. Pete

It's better than that! See here for the whole story. "Do I qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment? You should qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment for the winter of 2008/09 if, during the qualifying week of 15-21 September 2008, you were: * aged 60 or over and * normally living in Great Britain or Northern Ireland Payments may continue if you leave or have left the United Kingdom and are living in another EEA country." [see here] "If you need to make a claim for a payment for winter 2008/09, you should return your claim form on or before 30 March 2009" Pete

You're currently entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment from age 60, NOT from state pension age But you have to claim it if you're not getting a pension It comes automatically with the state pension See here Pete