As the skipper or owner of a pleasure craft, you must have the appropriate skills, certification and documentation to navigate the waters of the Netherlands safely. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) oversees this.
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Rules and regulations for pleasure craft
If your pleasure craft measures between 2.5 and 24 metres, it must have a bouwersplaatje (builder's plate) with a CE marking. This plate must be visible from the helm. On the starboard side of the transom, there must be a unique WIN-code (Watercraft Identification Number, WIN) or vessel identification number.
These features prove that the vessel meets the legal product requirements of the European Union (EU). The manufacturer is responsible for this.
Required skills
Contact the Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen, CBR (central office for driving licences, in Dutch) to find out the type of licence required for each vessel sailing on the various waterways in the Netherlands.
Pleasure craft carrying more than 12 passengers
If you are carrying more than 12 passengers on your pleasure craft, for example for a canal parade, the rules and regulations of the Binnenvaartwet (Inland Navigation Act) apply. These include requirements for both the vessel and crew. You must follow the rules of the Inland Navigation Act regardless of the duration of the boat trip.
The ILT inspects compliance and can take measures in case of violations.
Sailing outside the Netherlands and at sea
See which documents are required if you wish to sail internationally with a pleasure craft that is registered in the Netherlands. A zeebrief (Certificate of Registry) is highly recommended.