Next year, the Scheldt Coordination Centre is to take a harder line if it turns out that a captain sailing on the Western Scheldt cannot speak good English.
The coordination centre is worried because increasing numbers of East-European ships are using the waters of Zeeland. Often, the captains speak poor English, which can give rise to dangerous situations. Starting in January, these captains will be advised to take a pilot on board. If they reject this advice, it could result in a fine (bron: Omroep Zeeland).