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).
Please note: there are types of ships for which a manning proposal and an MSMD are not required (in Dutch).
Managing owner
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:
Apply for assessment of your manning proposal and your first MSMD using the online form Application for safe manning documents for seagoing vessels. Upload the following attachments:
- Completed manning proposal template for seagoing vessels (in Dutch).
- Brief explanation of the work carried out on board, taking account of the different crew compositions.
- General arrangement plan.
- Written statement from the ship master confirming that the manning proposal is workable.
- Muster list for each crew composition in the manning proposal.
- For continuous operation: shipboard working arrangements.
- If applicable: proof that there is an Unattended Machinery Space (UMS), for example a class certificate.
- If the ship operates with shore support: evidence of shore support.
- If the ship has a hatch cover gantry: hatch cover gantry risk analysis.
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.
Apply for assessment of your amended manning proposal and a new MSMD using the form Application for safe manning documents for seagoing vessels. Upload the following attachments:
- Completed manning proposal template for seagoing vessels (in Dutch).
- Brief explanation of the work carried out on board, taking account of the different crew compositions.
- General arrangement plan.
- Written statement from the ship master confirming that the manning proposal is workable.
- Muster list for each crew composition in the manning proposal.
- For continuous operation: shipboard working arrangements.
- If applicable: proof that there is an Unattended Machinery Space (UMS), for example a class certificate.
- If the ship operates with shore support: evidence of shore support.
- If the ship has a hatch cover gantry: hatch cover gantry risk analysis.
This includes, for example, a minor change to tonnage or propulsion power, or a change of port of registry, ship name or company name.
Notify the ILT of the administrative change using the online form Application for safe manning documents for seagoing vessels. Upload the following attachment:
- Your previously approved manning proposal.
At the end of the 5-year validity period, you may apply for an extension on the same basis, without changes.
Apply for extension using the online form Application for safe manning documents for seagoing vessels. Upload the following attachment:
- If applicable: proof that there is an Unattended Machinery Space (UMS), for example a class certificate.
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.