Types of vessels
In accordance with the applicable legislation, the Netherlands distinguishes different types of seagoing vessels.
Merchant Vessel
Merchant vessels are seagoing ships that are commercially exploited. They include cargo ships, passenger ships, dredging vessels, pontoons, Mobile Offshore Drilling Units and many more.
Merchant vessels are eligible for:
- Full registration in the Dutch Register
- Registration in the Bareboat Charter Register
Commercial Cruising Vessel (CCV)
CCV is a seagoing cruising vessel for commercial use with a length exceeding 12 metres, designed and built for recreational use and by passengers and for either:
- being exclusively or mainly propelled by mechanical propulsion and equipped to carry no more than 12 passengers, or:
- being mainly propelled by sails and equipped to carry no more than 36 passengers.
Commercial Cruising Vessels are eligible for:
- Full registration in the Dutch Register
- Registration in the Bareboat Charter Register
Pleasure craft
All seagoing vessels exclusively designed and built for use by the persons on board for sports or leisure activities (non-commercial use). Recreational craft may only be used for non-commercial activities.
Pleasure craft are eligible for Full registration in the Dutch Register.