How to Get an International Certificate for Pleasure Craft (ICP) in the Netherlands

If you own a boat, yacht, or jet-ski and want to use it in other European countries, you’ll usually need an International Certificate for Pleasure Craft (ICP). This document shows that you are the official owner of your vessel — kind of like a car registration for your boat.

What the ICP Does (and Doesn’t Do)

The ICP is not a driving licence for boats. It only proves ownership, not that you are qualified to operate your craft.
If you need to show that you can safely handle a boat abroad, you’ll need an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) instead.
The ICC is automatically included when you get a Klein Vaarbewijs (Small Licence) or Pleasure Boat Licence in the Netherlands.

Who Can Apply for an ICP

You can apply for an ICP if:

• You are a Dutch citizen, or
• You have lived in the Netherlands for at least five years even if you are not Dutch.

This certificate makes it easier to prove boat ownership when sailing in other EU countries.

Where the ICP Is Valid

The ICP is accepted in many European countries, but not everywhere.
You can check the full list of countries where it is valid on the Watersportverbond website (in Dutch).

If you plan to sail in a country where the ICP isn’t recognized, you’ll need a Zeebrief (Certificate of Registry) instead.
The Zeebrief is like a passport for your vessel and lets you fly the Dutch flag — something you can’t do with an ICP.

How to Apply for an ICP

You can apply through:

• The Watersportverbond (Water Sports Association), or
• The Koninklijke Nederlandsche Motorboot Club (KNMC) (Royal Dutch Motorboat Club).

Both applications are in Dutch, and other EU countries have their own agencies for issuing the same type of certificate.

Final Tips

• The ICP only proves ownership, not competence.
• If you’re planning to navigate abroad, make sure you also have an ICC or the right vaarbewijs (boating licence).
• Always check whether the country you’re visiting accepts the ICP before setting sail.

For more official details and the latest requirements, see the CBR page on boating licences or the Watersportverbond ICP information page.