In principle, only nationals of the Netherlands and other EU/EEA states may be appointed as captain of a Dutch flagged ship. Third-country nationals may exceptionally be granted an exemption based on the recognition of certificates of competency under the STCW Convention.
"Article 29
1 On Dutch ships only persons are appointed as captains who possess the nationality of:
a.the Kingdom of the Netherlands, or
b.from another state, but only if they are exempted from the requirement referred to in the preamble and under a pursuant to Article 30 .
2 Exemption from the requirement referred to in the first paragraph may be granted for fishing vessels by ministerial regulation, subject to conditions or restrictions.
Article 30
1 Persons who hold the nationality of one of the member states of the European Union or of one of the other states that are parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area are exempt from the nationality requirement, referred to in Article 29, first paragraph, opening words and under a , for service on Dutch ships that are not fishing vessels.
2 Persons who have the nationality of another state may be granted an exemption from the nationality requirement, referred to in Article 29, first paragraph, opening words and under a , by order of Our Minister , for serving on Dutch ships that are not fishing vessels, provided it concerns : [...]" (Seafarers Act of 11 December 1997; last amended 01-07-2021; Articles 29 and 30 [google translation])
Seafarers Act of 11 December 1997; last amended 01-07-2021; Articles 29 and 30
[<a href="https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0009124/2021-07-01">Act</a>]