Merchant shipping
Certificate of Equivalent Competency (CEC)
International regulations (STCW-95) prescribe that a seafarer sailing aboard a vessel flying the flag of the Netherlands possesses a Dutch Certificate of Competency.
The Netherlands issues officers from other EU member states and countries with which it has concluded an agreement, a Dutch Certificate of Competency on the basis of their own national Certificate of Competency.
Ratings may apply for a regular Certificate of Competency.
Explanation of the application for the Dutch Certificate of Equivalent Competency
- A Certificate of equivalent Competency may only be issued to officers who possess a valid STCW 95 'certificate of competency' issued in a country with whom the Netherlands has concluded an agreement to accept seafarers!
- For information concerning countries with which the Netherlands has concluded such a bilateral agreement, you should contact the department that issues these Certificates of equivalent Competency.
- A Dutch Certificate of equivalent Competency (and seaman's book) is not compulsory for foreign ratings, provided you do possess a national Certificate of equivalent Competency and seaman's book.
