The Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate (NSI) would like to inform you regarding the following:

When issuing any of the following documents after January 1st, 2009, a unique number identifying the company* that is operating the ship, must be mentioned on the document:

• the (interim) International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC), 
• the (interim) Document of Compliance (DOC),
• the (interim) Safety Management Certificate (SMC), 
• the Continuous Synopsis Records (CSR),
• the CSR Form 2.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has decided this during the 80th meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in May 2004. More information can be found in (the annex to) MSC resolutions 194 (80), 195 (80), 196 (80) and 198 (80) of May 20th 2005.**

The IMO has also decided that as of January 1st, 2009, each CSR and CSR Form 2, shall also contain the CID number of the “Registered Owner”. More information can be found in (the annex to) MSC resolution 198 (80).

This implies that as of January 1st, 2009, each registered owner and each company in the definition of SOLAS chapter IX, regulation 1, should have a CID number.

The aim of using the CID is to enhance the safety and security of ships and the prevention of pollution and fraud, by creating greater transparency around management and ownership of ships (see MSC resolution 160 (78)).

Several companies have already applied for a CID number. The NSI requests companies that have not done so yet, to make sure they apply timely for the CID number. Applications can be made via the website of Lloyd's Register Fairplay. 

Please make sure to use the correct company name.

The NSI has already started issuing documents in the new formats, including the field for the CID number. When CID numbers are known to NSI, they will be printed on the documents. 

To be able to issue documents with the CID number NSI has to enter these numbers in its administrative database. For this purpose we would like to receive, before October 1st, 2008, a copy of the CID allocation statement, by regular mail, at the following address:

Inspectie Verkeer & Waterstaat
tav Toezicht Beheer Eenheid, 
unit toezichtondersteuning lucht/water
P.O. Box 13194
2501 ED Den Haag
The Netherlands

As of January 1st, 2009, abovementioned documents can only be issued with the required CID number. 

*   DOC holder or “Company” in conformity with the definition in article 1 of Chapter IX of the SOLAS Convention
** These IMO documents can be found via the programme EasyRules