CERTIFICATE OF
Trouble with the (complicated) application or renewal of your CoC or seaman’s book? We are happy to help and advise during the application process! As well as giving advice, we can also apply at Kiwa for you. Learn more about the various types of applications by exploring the information and resources provided on this page. Our STCW Training News Updates contain the latest developments, concisely formulated and sent directly via email.
1st application, renewal or upgrade
Once you have your initial certificate you will need to renew it to keep it valid or upgrade it to sail in a higher position. The initial rating is issued based on your completed maritime education and training. To renew, you must demonstrate sufficient sailing time and keep your STCW training courses valid (often this means refreshing the training). To upgrade the rating, you must demonstrate the required sailing time and any additional training. See our manual and flow charts for more information.
Renewal of expired certificate of competence
When your certificate of competency has expired and sufficient authorized sailing time has been achieved in the past five years, your certificate of competency can still be applied for again. If sufficient sailing time has not been achieved in the last five years or it has been more than five years since your license expired, read in our manual what the options are.
Recognition of foreign certificates
Masters and officers who hold a foreign certificate of competency and wish to sail on a Dutch ship must apply for Dutch recognition. The Netherlands recognises certificates of competency from countries with which it has an agreement. To apply for recognition as a master, it is necessary to obtain the certificate of legislation and public authority. Read more about recognitions in our manual.
Prices crew documents 2025
| Crew document applications * | Kiwa fees | RBG fees * | ||
| Seaman’s book | € 95,00 | € 63,00 | ||
| Certificate of competency rating deck | € 97,00 | € 95,00 | ||
| Certificate of competency officer sailing ships | € 145,00 | € 129,00 | ||
| Certificate of competency officer merchant ships | € 145,00 | € 129,00 | ||
| Recognition of certificate of competency | € 146,00 | € 129,00 | ||
| Additional Express fee ** | € 112,00 | € 35,00 | ||
| Advice fees per half hour | € 42,50 | |||
NB: Applications take a minimum of two weeks to be processed by RBG and Kiwa.
All prices are excl. 21 % VAT and delivery costs.
* The rate for additional work on the application is € 42,50 per half hour. If this applies to your application, we will inform you.
** If you wish to use the Express service, your application will be given priority. Please contact us first with a phone call. After submitting the application to Kiwa, it takes approximately 3 working days for the certificate to be issued.
New Dutch seafarers act as of 2025
As of July 1, 2025, the new Seafarers Manning Law will be in effect.
The web links to the new law can be found here on our webpage. Feel free to contact us for questions and advice regarding this matter.
Our STCW Training News Updates contain the latest STCW developments, concisely formulated and sent directly via email.
Useful resources
- Guide to applying for certificates of competency; read the RBG guide ‘applying for certificates of competency’ to avoid unnecessary costs and frustration.
- RBG’s sea-time calculator; use this tool to calculate the number of days you have sailed at sea.
- When will a foreign medical certificate be recognized by the Dutch flag?
- Kiwa verklaring eisen bekwaamheid wachtlopend gezel
New Seafarer’s act as of July 2025
- Wet Bemanning Zeeschepen (per 01-07-2025)
- Besluit Bemanning Zeeschepen (per 01-07-2025)
- Regeling Bemanning Zeeschepen (per 01-07-2025)
- Guideline new Dutch seafarers act (version 1.0)
- Q&A Visserij | Wet bemanning zeeschepen Version 1.0 – 25-6-2025
- Guideline STSV CoP Safety Training Sailing Vessels <500GT
Flowcharts
As of July 1, 2025, a large number of regulations will be changed. This publication peak will start on June 16 and will last until August 1, 2025. The flowcharts below will be updated in the coming period in response to the amended Manning Act. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about flowcharts that have not yet been updated.
- Flowchart CoC commercial seagoing sailing ships; view the requirements overview of certificates of competency for sailing.
- Flowchart CoC officer – engineer limited area; view the requirements overview for certificates of competency for mate engineer limited area.
- Flowchart CoC merchant vessels – all vessels; view the requirements overview of certificates of competency for merchant navy all vessels.
- Flowchart CoC merchant vessels < 3000GT; view the requirements overview of certificates of competency for merchant navy small ships.
- Flowchart CoC Rating forming part of a navigational watch & Able seafarer view the requirements overview of certificates of competency for rating deck.