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, succinctly formulated and sent directly via email.
Please note: In 2025, the new Law Bemanning Zeeschepen will come into effect. The date is still unknown.
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 law Bemanning Zeeschepen 2025
In 2025, the new Law Bemanning Zeeschepen will come into effect. The date is still unknown. We will share the changes regarding CoC’s via this web page and our News Update.
Our STCW Training News Updates contain the latest developments, succinctly 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 manual –> currently offline for an update by Kiwa
- KIWA CoC matrix for seafarers
- Kiwa matrix CoC sailing vessels < 500GT
- Kiwa verklaring eisen bekwaamheid wachtlopend gezel
FLOWCHARTS
- Flowchart CoC 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.
- Flowchart CoC Fishery S4
- Flowchart CoC Fishery SW4
- Flowchart CoC Fishery SW5
- Flowchart CoC Fishery SW6