Less than 5 years
For a Certificate of Competency (Vaarbevoegdheidsbewijs) that has been expired for less than 5 years, there are three ways to obtain a valid certificate again:
Obtain a new Certificate of Theory (Kennisbewijs).
This means retaking the theoretical training, such as KzV or GzV.
Sailing in excess of the manning requirements
Gain 3 months of experience in excess of the manning requirements. The condition is that this occurs in the six months immediately preceding the date of the renewal application.
Sailing at a lower level
Gain 3 months of experience with an ex officio certificate of competency (ambtshalve vaarbevoegdheidsbewijs), in a position at a lower level than the one for which the expired certificate was valid.
The condition is that this occurs in the six months preceding the date of the renewal application.
Please note: a captain cannot sail as a chief mate with an ex officio certificate of competency. This is because a chief mate acts as the captain’s deputy. In the case of an expired captain’s certificate of competency, the person therefore sails for 3 months with an ex officio certificate as a watchkeeping officer.
More than 5 years
A Certificate of Competency that has been expired for more than 5 years. There is only one option: obtain a new certificate of proficiency…
There are two ways to obtain this certificate of proficiency:
Retake the exams
Retake all exams on the designated dates. With the sea time completed (in the past 5 years), you can then apply for a certificate of proficiency. You can, of course, also enroll in the Limited Sailing Area (Kleine Zeilvaart) or Unlimited Sailing Area (Grote Zeilvaart) training program prior to the exams and follow all subjects again.
Start an RPL procedure (EVC-traject):
This is a personal trajectory, Recognition of Prior Learning (EVC). Depending on current sea time, experience, and knowledge, you will be invited (after an intake at the school) to take a knowledge test at the school and/or complete assignments on board that include components of the most important subjects.
The costs for this (in 2024) are a minimum of €1,050 and a maximum of €1,750. This amount includes the assessment of sea time and the issuance of the certificate of proficiency (if sufficient sea time has been accumulated).
For information and options, please contact cosmo@ezs.nl.
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