Performance of the Dutch Coastguard

Dutch ministries do not always bear their responsibilities for the performance of the Coastguard, especially with regard to the provision of necessary personnel and equipment. The Coastguard Director cannot intervene if vessels, aircraft or personnel are not available at agreed times. This can lead to planned patrols being cancelled.

These findings are presented in a report published today by the Court of Audit entitled Functioneren Kustwacht Nederland ("Performance of the Dutch Coastguard"). In particular, the Court found that the flight and sailing hours provided for law enforcement tasks are insufficient. In addition, there are formal restrictions (legal status, investigative powers) on the Coastguard's use of personnel.

Although the various parties are positive about the cooperation on the work floor, the ministries' policies often take precedence over the Coastguard's interests. No measurable targets have been set for the Coastguard. The Coastguard is directed chiefly by the specification of flight and sailing hours but the need for those hours is not always adequately known. It is therefore uncertain what risks would arise if the Coastguard could not carry out its tasks in full or in part.

The Coastguard is a joint venture between the Ministries of Transport, Public Works and Water Management; Finance (Customs); Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (General Inspectorate); Justice; the Interior (National Police Service Agency); and Defence (Royal Navy and Royal Constabulary). Its operations are managed by the Coastguard Director, who is appointed from the Navy. The Coastguard performs seven law enforcement tasks: maintaining law and order, enforcing environmental legislation, enforcing fisheries legislation, monitoring the import, export and transit of goods (customs supervision), controlling the border, enforcing shipping legislation and enforcing ship equipment legislation. The Coastguard also provides services in six areas: vessel traffic services, navigation aids, maritime traffic research, distress, urgency and safety communication, search and rescue (SAR), and limiting and handling disasters and incidents.