Dutch waterways

[jimking]

Dutch Wateralmanak

We spent 2 months in the Netherlands in 2007. Before going my wife took the RYA CEVNI course and test which is only available as an upgrade to the ICC. The information and regulations are different from the Colregs in many parts and it is therefore extremely sensible (we consider essential) to carry the English version - you could easily get fined if you contravene their regulations. According to Noonsite "On inland waterways, any person steering a vessel capable of more than 9 knots must be over 18 years and have the Dutch "vaarbewijzen" or an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) endorsed for inland waterways."

You could also be fined if you don't carry the Dutch version of the regulations in "ANWB Wateralmanak Part 1" - easily available at any chandler when you arrive in the Netherlands.

Part 2 of ANWB Wateralmanak is an almanac giving bridge and lock opening times, and signals and schedules, also marina information. Although in Dutch, we found that with a dictionary we could make sense of it and as some bridges have only very limited opening we found it essential.

If you don't wish to take your mast down there is a standing mast route - the charts for this are in a fold out booklet and available at local chandlers. One of the charts (can't remember which one) has an English translation of chart symbols which is very useful.

The trip was fantastic. If you're interested see our blog: http://yacht-impressionist.blogspot.com/search/label/Netherlands

We sold our dutch charts and the almanac on the YBW forum after our trip -it might be worth advertising for them.

 

[Bilge Rat]

Many thanks to everyone for thier response especially friends from the Netherlands . I am buying the RYA European waterways regulations suggested by mikemanor and will study this before the trip. The main work seems to be ensuring ATIS radio. I am doing a new post on whether I can convert my Simrad RD68 or Entel HT644 radios to ATIS
Good sailing
Martin

Unfortunately Navico customer support told us that the Simrad RD68 isn't ATIS compliant - you might be lucky with the Entel though?

Having said that, we're beginning to think that it's not really a problem based on the various comments on this thread and past experience (admittedly only in Zeeland) that the VHF can be left switched off in Dutch inland waters.

 

[Blue Fox]

,,, that the VHF can be left switched off in Dutch inland waters.

For many years now I have used my portable VHS when sailing inland in The Netherlands - just easier. That VHF has no ATIS. Never ever have I heard anybody (bridge- and lockkeepers, coastguard IJsselmeer, etc.) complain about my transmitting without ATIS!
Don't worry!

 

[pieter2]

According to Noonsite "On inland waterways, any person steering a vessel capable of more than 9 knots must be over 18 years and have the Dutch "vaarbewijzen" or an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) endorsed for inland waterways."

You could also be fined if you don't carry the Dutch version of the regulations in "ANWB Wateralmanak Part 1" - easily available at any chandler when you arrive in the Netherlands.

Part 2 of ANWB Wateralmanak is an almanac giving bridge and lock opening times, and signals and schedules, also marina information. Although in Dutch, we found that with a dictionary we could make sense of it and as some bridges have only very limited opening we found it essential.

I would not worry too much about the ATIS. Although it would be obliged. I never use it myself, becuse it does not work in combination with DSC which I think is a good thing to use inlands as well. It is not allowed, so I am risking a fine, but that would be ok with me, taking into consideration the extra safety.
I have never been checked or fined (for this).

About ANWB Wateralmanak Part1. It might be too expensive and rather silly, not being able to read Dutch (I suppose), to buy this book, only because you are obliged to have the official inland water regulations on board.
It will be sufficient to carry with you (on paper or digitally the regulations that are written in this 'almanak'. You can download them on internet.
The official site of Dutch government; Please mind there are two parts!
http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0003628/geldigheidsdatum_06-01-2011
More easy to use is this pdf:
https://docs.google.com/uc?export=d...lODkxYWYtOGJiYS00MDYxLWIwZDUtY2FkNDFkNTY4NThk

The wateralmanak part 2 you can buy in every marina-shop in Holland. That part will be very usefull for it gives information about every bridge, lock, marina, etc. Sort of 'Reeds' for Holland.

When you are exploring all this information, also take a look at this one: http://www.varendoejesamen.nl/app/upload/downloads/VVdwS_ENG_v04.pdf

I suppose you will cross the sea before starting to sail on the inland waters. Please mind tides in the Waddenzee (North) and Zeeland (South).
For this you might want to use http://live.getij.nl/getij_locaties.cfm?taal=en . This information is only available when you are online.
or wxtide (off line sofware to download , please google)

Have a good time in Holland!

 

[PeterGibbs]

Dear All
I am planning to cross the N sea and go into the Dutch waterways next year. I understand I need a Euroean Inland waterways cert (CEVNI test???) and am wondering how to get the required training and test. I am an RYA yachtmaster and can see there are tests available on line - but how do I prepeare ?? The RYA website does not seem to cover how to get the knowldege required. Any advice appreciated
All the best
Martin

CEVNI - buy the booklet from the RYA, bone up and do the tests at the rear of the book. Get in touch with your local CEVNI tester, pay a few quid and get tested - you will pass of course.

Although you won't need to show your certification for the kind of sailing you describe, there are many CEVNI signs throughout Dutch waterways and it favours your prospects to know what you are looking at!

PWG