Inland navigation vessels

If you navigate your pleasure craft, passenger or freight ship on Dutch inland waterways, you must comply with the Inland Navigation Act (Binnenvaartwet). The Act includes requirements regarding:

• a vessel's condition, design and equipment
• working conditions
• the physical condition and professional competence of the captain and crew

Inspection certificate or inland navigation certificate

Your vessel will need an inspection certificate (certificaat van onderzoek) or an inland shipping certificate (binnenvaartcertificaat) in most cases. A certificate is proof that the vessel is in a sound technical condition. You can apply for certificates for inland navigation vessels to classification societies or inspection bodies (klassenbureaus or keuringsinstanties, in Dutch).

Registering working hours

Shipowners or captains that hire crew, must register the crew's working hours.

Navigation licence

You will also need a navigation licence (vaarbewijs). On Dutch waters traffic rules apply, such as rules on lighting, priority and sound signals, laid down in the Inland navigation police regulations (BPR).

Rhine navigation certificate

As co-owner or operator of an inland navigation vessel, you are likely to need a Rhine Navigation Certificate. This certificate allows you to navigate almost all of Europe's waterways, including those of Switzerland. Please apply for the certificate from Kiwa Register (in Dutch).

Exemption special transport on provincial waterways

If you want to use a canal or river for special transport purposes, or you want to use a ship with non-standard dimensions, you need to apply for an exemption from the provincial authorities.

Floating constructions

A navigation licence is obligatory for skippers or operators of floating constructions and large pleasure boats. Floating constructions and any other ships used for construction are to be subject to the same regulations as inland shipping vessels.