As the managing owner of a professionally operated seagoing vessel, you must have an approved manning proposal on board. This manning proposal forms the basis for the required Minimum Safe Manning Document (MSMD). In the Netherlands, you can submit a manning proposal for approval and apply for the MSMD through the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT).
Only the managing owner can submit the manning proposal for approval and apply for the MSMD. The managing owner is the owner, the operating company (ship manager) or the bareboat charterer of the ship. The managing owner must be established in the Netherlands.
Manning proposal and MSMD
The manning proposal demonstrates how you meet the minimum manning requirements under the Wet bemanning zeeschepen (Seagoing vessels crew Act).
You must submit the manning proposal to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). The ILT will assess the plan and, if necessary, discuss it with you.
After approval, the ILT issues the MSMD for the ship. The ship may only operate with a valid MSMD. The MSMD is valid for up to 5 years.
You must keep the approved manning proposal and the MSMD on board the ship. This allows crew members and ILT inspectors to consult them. Any changes must be reviewed and approved by the ILT.
Submitting a manning proposal and applying for an MSMD
You must submit a manning proposal to the ILT and apply for an MSMD in the following situations:
An amendment is required, for example, if the navigation area or the operational profile have changed, such as working methods or shore support, resulting in a different crew composition. An amendment is also required if you add an extra crew composition for specific situations or flexibility.
If you are unsure which situation applies, submit an explanation of your situation including all the relevant ship details to the ILT using the contact form.
