Ship Sanitation Certificate

Applications for Ship Sanitation Certificate inspections can be submitted to the GGD Zeeland (Medical Health Service). The GGD Zeeland is responsible for issuing Ship Sanitation Certificates in partnership with the Port Authorities. Inspections are conducted on the basis of requirements laid down by the World Health Organization (WHO) and as incorporated under Dutch Law into the Public Health Act. There are three types of certificate:

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC)

A ship has been inspected and everything is in order. The ship is then exempt from further sanitary inspections for a period of six months.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC)

A ship has been inspected and certain shortcomings discovered. The shortcomings are listed on the certificate. These must then be repaired, or otherwise resolved, and resubmitted for inspection.

Extension of the Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (ESSCEC)

If due to circumstances a requested inspection cannot be carried out, then an Extension of the Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (ESSCEC) may be issued in exceptional circumstances. In so doing, a month’s respite is granted offering an opportunity to request and conduct a new inspection.

WHO Standards

WHO inspection guidelines stipulate that the following areas of the ship must be in order (The term in order is understood to mean no sign of infection or contamination, which includes vermin in any stage of development; animal reservoirs for vermin and pests; microbiological, chemical, radioactive substances or other hazards to human health; and inadequate hygiene measures):

• galley and food areas
• pantry and storage rooms
• holds
• officer and crew accommodation
• drinking water
• sewage system
• ballast tanks
• waste (inc. medical waste)
• standing water
• engine room
• medical facilities, swimming pools and spas

All WHO-standards have been included in a Schedule of Requirements. An inspection checklist is provided for the levels required to meet these standards as inspected by the GGD.

Application

An application for a Ship Sanitation Certificate must be requested in writing at least 24 hours before the inspection. Use the applicationform ship sanitation. Inspections can be done 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. till 8 p.m.* The inspector will contact you as soon as possible after receiving the application form.

Inspection Costs

Read the rates for a Ship Sanitation Certificate below:

* the last time for embarkation is 8 pm.