The regulations governing merchant shipping ensure the safety of both vessel and crew. There are regulations that prescribe working hours, and crewmembers must also hold certain documents. 

Applicable legislation for the safety of the crew on Netherlands vessels is:

• Standards on Training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW), partly implemented in the Zeevaartbemanningswet (Maritime Crew Act);
• Arbeidsomstandighedenwet (Working Conditions Act);
• Arbeidstijdenwet (Working Hours Act).  

Crewmembers must hold certain personal documents in accordance with STCW such as:

• a seaman’s book;
• a certificate of competency.   

The certificate of competency will be issued when requirements of training, experience and physical fitness are met.
Maritime training must also comply with regulations.

Applications documents crew
An application for a seamen’s book and/or a certificate of competency can be made at Kiwa Register.