Legislation and regulations

Shipping regulations apply in the port of Rotterdam. These regulations contribute to the safety in of the port of Rotterdam. The Harbour Master enforces international, national and local laws and regulations in the ports of Rotterdam, Vlaardingen, Schiedam, Dordrecht, Papendrecht and Zwijndrecht.

International regulations are issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). An example is SOLAS (with additions such as the IMDG Code and the IBC) The International SOLAS Convention is seen as the most important treaty concerning the safety of seagoing vessels. The SOLAS Convention establishes rules for the construction, equipment and operation of vessels. In addition, national regulations apply in the port of Rotterdam. Furthermore, the ADN and the Inland Waterways Police Regulations apply, just like on other Dutch inland waterways.