The Van Veen grab can be used for sampling the top layer of consolidated sediment consisting of silt and/or sand. The Van Veen grab is not suitable for the sampling of hard or extremely soft top layers. In the former case there is a high probability of no sample being taken and in the latter there is a chance that the grab will dig too deep, in which case a sample will be taken but not of the top layer. In the case of sediments with a very soft and watery top layer there is a reasonable chance of the fine fraction being rinsed out of the grab.