Certificate of Competence

Any seafarer serving in a position as specified on the crew certificate must be in possession of a valid certificate of competence. To be eligible for a certificate of competence, a seafarer must demonstrate knowledge and experience (sailing time) and have completed certain training and courses.

What do I need?

An application for a certificate of competence can only be submitted via the Kiwa Register application portal. In the portal, you can also view the status of your request:

• This portal does not work on mobile devices, so use a PC or laptop;
• Already have an account? Then go to Portal.kiwaregister.nl;
• Do you not yet have an account and are you registered in a Dutch municipality?
  • Private Dutch citizen: Read here how to create an account;
  • Company: As a company you can log in via eHerkenning. Read here how to request this and how to log in to the portal;
• Don't have an account yet and live abroad?
  • Request a Kiwa-ID by sending an e-mail to NL.Scheepvaart@kiwa.com.

During the application in the portal, you'll have to upload several of supporting documents. It is useful to have these available before you start the application:

Alternative experience

In consultation with the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), alternative experience is assessed. To qualify, you must have 24 months of service in the past five years while in possession of a valid certificate of competence. In addition, you must have followed relevant refresher training courses. In article 10.7 of the Regeling zeevarenden (Dutch) you will find a number of positions that may be eligible.

With alternative experience, you can only renew and not upgrade your certificate.

To demonstrate alternative experience, you must provide an extensive job description with the amount of days worked drawn up by your employer. Your employer's statement must have the company logo and should be signed.

Delivery

Within 7 to 9 working days after your application is complete and paid, your certificate of competence will be sent.

Costs

The rate for the certificate of competence is legally determined by the Dutch government in the Regeling tarieven transportsectoren (Dutch) and includes 21% VAT. A certificate of competence costs €170,61.

The rate for the certificate of competence rating is legally determined by the Dutch government in the Regeling tarieven transportsectoren (Dutch) and includes 21% VAT. A certificate of competence costs €113,74. 

Payment

You can pay directly online via iDEAL and credit card (MasterCard or VISA). You can also pay via bank transfer afterwards after receiving your invoice. An application will always only be processed when it is complete and paid. 

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find more information via the Frequently Asked Questions.