Ship Sanitation Certificate

Applications for Ship Sanitation Certificate inspections can be submitted to GGD Zeeland (Public Health Service). GGD Zeeland is responsible for issuing Ship Sanitation Certificates in collaboration with the Port Authorities. Inspections are conducted based on requirements established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and incorporated into Dutch law under the Public Health Act. There are three types of certificates:

• Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC)
  A ship has been inspected, and everything is in order. The ship is exempt from further sanitary inspections for a period of six months.
• Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC)
  A ship has been inspected, and certain shortcomings have been identified. These shortcomings are listed on the certificate. They must be addressed—either repaired or otherwise resolved—and the ship must undergo a follow-up inspection.
• Extension of the Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (ESSCEC)
  If a requested inspection cannot be carried out due to circumstances, an Extension of the Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (ESSCEC) may be issued in exceptional cases. This extension grants a one-month period during which a new inspection can be requested and conducted.

WHO inspection guidelines stipulate that the following areas of the ship must be in order. (The term ‘in order’ means no signs of infection or contamination, including vermin in any stage of development; animal reservoirs for vermin and pests; microbiological, chemical, or radioactive substances; 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 (including 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.

An application for a Ship Sanitation Certificate must be submitted in writing at least 24 hours before the inspection. Please use the Ship Sanitation application form. Inspections are available 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.* The inspector will contact you as soon as possible after receiving the application form.

See the rates for a Ship Sanitation Certificate below:

* the last time for embarkation is 8 pm.