Inland Waterway Certificate
An inland waterway certificate is needed if you are going to sail with a large pleasure craft on Dutch inland waterways. This certificate is a technical safety document proving that the vessel meets legal requirements for construction, equipment, and safety.
The certificate is issued by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. It is mandatory for pleasure craft with a length of more than 20 meters sailing on Dutch inland waterways where the Inland Waterway Police Regulations apply.
Requirements
- Vessel length: The certificate is mandatory for pleasure craft with a length exceeding 20 meters.
- Technical requirements: The vessel must meet technical requirements as set out in the Inland Shipping Act and Inland Shipping Decree.
- Inspection: The vessel must be inspected by a certified inspection body.
- Equipment: The vessel must have the required safety equipment (lifesaving equipment, fire extinguishing equipment, navigation lights, etc.).
Procedure
- Request inspection: The owner requests an inspection from a certified inspection body.
- Vessel inspection: The vessel is technically inspected for construction, equipment, and safety.
- Reporting: The inspection body prepares an inspection report with any deficiencies that must be remedied.
- Request certificate: After approval, the certificate is requested from the ILT.
- Validity: The certificate is valid for a maximum of 5 years and must then be renewed after a new inspection.
Restrictions
- Navigation area: The certificate is specific to inland waterways; for sea navigation other certificates may be required.
- Maintenance: The vessel must be maintained in the same condition during the validity period as at the time of inspection.
- Modifications: Important modifications to the vessel must be reported and may require a new inspection.
- Renewal: Renewal of the certificate requires a new inspection before the expiry of the validity period.