In the Netherlands, much of a boat's paperwork is optional, which means a used boat may come with a lot or very little. Know what each document proves before you rely on it.
Kadaster: ownership and mortgages
Kadaster says registering a ship in its public registry establishes ownership, and that ownership registration is compulsory if a mortgage is to be established on the boat. A registered boat gets a stamp with a unique identification number.
For a buyer, a Kadaster entry is the strongest proof of who owns the boat and whether a mortgage is registered on it. Check both before paying.
The zeebrief, and why it lapses on sale
The certificate of registry, the zeebrief, is issued by ILT. It's internationally recognised proof of the boat's nationality, ILT says, much like a passport, and gives the right to fly the Dutch flag. ILT and the Dutch government both say it isn't compulsory for pleasure craft at sea.
For boats under 24 m, getting one involves Kadaster: an inspector contacts the owner to inspect and measure the boat and add its registration number, and the tonnage certificate (meetbrief) goes to ILT. ILT lists €201 for the tonnage certificate and €221 for the certificate of registry, amounts that can change each year.
The zeebrief stays valid while its details are unchanged, but ILT is explicit: if you sell the boat, the certificate becomes invalid, and a new owner who wants one must apply. Budget for it if you plan to sail abroad under the Dutch flag.
Sailing abroad: the documents to carry
The Dutch government lists what to have on board outside the Netherlands:
- Proof that VAT was paid on the boat, such as a purchase invoice showing the VAT, or a VAT declaration for pleasure craft from customs.
- A boating licence, often the international certificate, the ICC. Dutch owners receive it automatically with a Klein Vaarbewijs or Groot Pleziervaartbewijs.
- A crew list with names, addresses and passport numbers.
- The radio operator's certificate and licence, if the boat has a VHF.
Some countries also ask for proof of ownership. The ICP, from KNMC or the Watersportverbond, covers this on inland and coastal waters in a list of countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Croatia and the UK. The government notes it isn't proof of nationality and doesn't give the right to fly the Dutch flag.
What to ask the seller
- The Kadaster entry, if any, with confirmation that no mortgage is registered, and the zeebrief or ICP, knowing a zeebrief won't transfer to you.
- The original purchase invoice showing VAT, or the customs VAT declaration, which the Dutch government lists among the papers to carry abroad.
The survey
None of these documents tells you the boat's condition. A pre-purchase survey does, with a haul-out to see the hull below the waterline: see the out of water survey. Dutch insurers handle valuation in their own way: see ANWB and FBTO.