Sailing a boat in Amsterdam: these are the rules
Whether you’re sailing an inflatable rowing boat or a meter-long yacht on the water, you have to obey the traffic rules. If you are going to sail a bit in Amsterdam, it is useful to know those rules.
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Can you already see yourself bobbing along the Prinsengracht in the Amstel? Please read these rules first.
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Rules on the water
Just like on land, traffic rules apply on water. This is also very necessary when you know that there are about 400,000 vessels in the Netherlands that are intended for pleasure craft. These are the most important rules on the water:
- On the fairway, keep to starboard side (right side) as much as possible.
- Keep the center of busy shipping lanes clear for large vessels. Do not float or anchor here.
- Show clearly which course you are sailing.
- Give each other space.
- Adjust your course and speed when you give way to another boat.
- Make sure you have good visibility and look back regularly.
- Use the correct navigation lights.
- Big ships can make waves and ‘suck up’ the water, late on here.
- Anchor only where it is safe. Not in the middle of the fairway or near bridges, locks and work vessels.
- Swim where it is allowed and safe. Swimming at bridges, locks and waiting areas is prohibited! You are also not allowed to swim on the sailing route of ships.
- Where there are fishing nets, you usually see black or yellow flags. Stay away from there.
- you need a boat license if you drive a motorboat that can go faster than 20 km/h or is longer than 15 meters.
- If you go sailing, leave your beer or wine. The legal limit on the water is 0.5 per mille.
- Don’t throw rubbish in the water. This is suitable for nature, but can also end up in the engines of other boats.
Sailing routes in and around Amsterdam
All right, now that you know these boating rules, you can get out on the water. But where can you sail in and around Amsterdam? You will find some information in this article. Have fun sailing! Don’t have a boot yourself? Don’t worry, you can rent it, we have listed the prices for you. Have fun sailing!
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