Provisional results of inspections conducted between July 2006 and July 2007 show the Dutch merchant navy observes international ISPS (International Ship Port Security) regulation just a little bit better. The Dutch Inspectorate of Transport and Public Works saw a mild improve in conduct, even though entry surveillance and training leave a lot to be desired.
A year earlier the security level was not up to par: ninety violations were found. Over one in five ships had insufficient entry surveillance and seventeen per cent did not meet training standards.
Lack of Training Exercises
The Inspectorate of Transport and Public Works acknowledges not organising any specific security exercises in 2006. In addition, ISPS exercises for ships and ports are as a rule not held often enough.
Safer Coastal Waters
Safety in Dutch coastal waters has increased as well according to the inspectorate. In 2000 there were sixteen serious accidents on the North Sea, in 2006 only one. However, these numbers may not be accurate because environmental incidents are not reliably registered.
Inland Shipping
The inspectorate was very alarmed about the increasing number of fatal accidents in inland shipping since 2003. In 2006 nine people were killed, the highest number in ten years.
Source: https://www.nieuwsbladtransport.nl/nieuws/id20848-Koopvaardij_leeft_veiligheidsregels_iets_beter_na.html[NieuwsbladTransport.nl]
