In the Netherlands there is no registration requirement for most categories of pleasure craft. Within Europe, on the other hand, it is mandatory in almost all countries to have an official registration certificate. The ICP is an unofficial record of ownership that allows boats to operate in Dutch waters and was was created for this reason. The ICP certificate is NOT a national registration and does NOT confer the right to fly the Dutch flag. Vessels without national registration but flying the Dutch flag With the ICP are stateless and risk detention in foreign waters.
In October 2020, a Spanish anti-narcotic operation arrested 4 sailing yachts using the ICP for drug smuggling. Also, Italy impounded many tourist sailboats in the Summer of 2020 for using the ICP in lieu of a national registration. In January 2021 the Dutch Watersportverbond is planning on tightening restrictions on this certificate for the above reasons.
The Polish yacht registration for boats less than 24 meters is a recognized national registry open to owners of vessels of any country. Contact us at register@polishyachflag.com or +48 510 619 149 to register in Poland