A practical guide for registering your vessel in the Dutch Ship Register

Introduction

In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of registering a vessel under the Dutch flag, a process that involves legal expertise and a keen understanding of maritime law. As a specialised deputy civil-law notary in maritime and corporate law, I’m here to guide you through the practical steps of registering your vessel in the Dutch Ship Register, which is kept by the Netherlands’ Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency.

1. Understanding Dutch Ship Registration Requirements

Before embarking on the registration journey, it’s crucial to comprehend the requirements set by Dutch law. As I described in my previous blogs, vessels eligible for registration must meet certain criteria, including ownership by EU or EEA nationals or entities. My role as a deputy civil-law notary comes into play here, by assisting you in ensuring all requirements are met.

2. Initiating the Process: Applying for a Declaration of Nationality with the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate

The first official step involves obtaining a declaration of nationality from the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (“ILT”). This declaration confirms that your vessel meets the nationality criteria stipulated by Dutch law. My expertise enables me to streamline this process and ensure that all the necessary documents are prepared accurately and submitted.

3. Expert Guidance in Document Preparation

Navigating the bureaucratic waters can be challenging, but fear not, as your dedicated maritime deputy civil-law notary will guide you through the documentation maze. From proof of ownership to technical specifications, I will ensure that your paperwork is shipshape and meets, the ILT standards for a smooth issuance of the declaration of nationality.

An application for a declaration of nationality must always be accompanied with documents evidencing  ownership of the vessel as well as specific information about the vessel, including:

• a copy of an International Tonnage Certificate;
• documents from which the ownership of the vessel is evidenced (bill of sale, protocol of delivery and acceptance, memorandum of agreement or similar);
• a copy of the engine(s) certificate(s) at least showing the engine type, engine number, RPM and maximum output.

Obtaining the declaration of nationality can basically take up to eight weeks from the date of application. In practice and based on my experience, in most cases it is issued within two weeks.

4. The registration process with the Dutch Cadastre

Once armed with the declaration of nationality, we set sail for the Netherlands’ Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency. Here, the actual registration or “teboekstelling” of your vessel takes place. My role as a deputy civil-law notary involves facilitating this process, liaising with the Dutch Ship Register on your behalf, and ensuring that all necessary information is accurately recorded.

5. Post-registration obligations

After successful registration of the vessel, there are further obligations to consider, especially if the vessel was registered in a foreign ship register prior to the Dutch registration. If that is the case, the Dutch registration is only of a conditional nature. In that case, the registration can be made unconditional if a certificate of deletion is filed with the Dutch Ship Register within thirty days of the vessel’s registration in the Dutch Ship Register. The deletion certificate must have been issued by the former foreign ship register and must show proof of  the termination of the vessel’s registration in the foreign ship register. Compliance with these post-registration obligations is crucial, as non-compliance will automatically result in the Dutch registration having no legal effect and therefore being null and void. I can guide you on the subsequent steps to maintain the legal status of your vessel and enjoy the benefits of sailing under the Dutch flag.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey to register your ship under the Dutch flag may seem complex, but with the expertise of a (deputy) civil-law notary who is specialised in maritime law, it becomes a navigable voyage. Feel free to contact me for personal assistance, ensuring your vessel proudly flies the Dutch flag.

Thank you for joining me on this legal voyage. If you have any questions or topics you would like me to cover in future posts, feel free to contact me directly. Safe sailing!