Into the Dutch and Belgian canals

[Modulation]

After a few years of cruising the coastlines of these countries during the summer hols we thought that next year we might go inland - preferably with the mast still up. None of us has any formal yachting qualifications although a fair amount of practical experience - no I tell a lie - I've got RYA certificates for shore-based courses I did several years ago. Are there particular issues/must-dos/haves to be aware of if we do go into the canals and rivers? I seem to recall reading that you had to carry some official Dutch almanac on board at all times - true? Is there a website covering this stuff?
Any help much appreciated.

<hr width=100% size=1>Brendan

 

[chrisc]

you must carry,on-board,a water almanac part 1 (only available in dutch)part 2 is actually quite useful,even in dutch.can be bought just about anywhere in holland.you must have a certificate for navigation on inland waterways.must carry euroregs book (by marian martin)or similar.in belgium you should have a white flag with red square at front of boat.apart from all this it is pretty easy,and no one will ask for any of above ,unless you are very unlucky.fully recommend it.

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[Modulation]

Chris
Thanks for all of that - really useful. Do you know where I can get the certificate for navigation on inland waterways? Is there an acceptable UK equivalent?


<hr width=100% size=1>Brendan

 

[peterb]

Rules and Regs

This month's (October) PBO, just arrived in the shops, has a very good summary of the rules for all the various EU countries (all different, of course). Recommended

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[vyv_cox]

You don't need an ICC for either Holland or Belgium for a boat below 15 metres in length/less than 11 kts speed. A good source for this info is the RYA FAQ section <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.rya.org.uk/Cruising/faqs.asp?contentID=603351>here</A>

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[kingfisher]

Regulations:
required for Holland
-CEVNI licence, if boat is longer than 15m, or can travel faster than 20kmh
-1 copy of applicable waterway regulations (that's why you need a WaterAlmanak part I, it contains all these)
-You need to buy a sticker if you want to sail on the Grevelinge lake
-Professional ships have absolute right of way (barges, harbour launches, police)


For Belgium
-identical CEVNI licence regulations
-http://www.lin.vlaanderen.be/awz/html/enframe.html
-you need to pay a retribution to sail the flemish waterways, 25€ for 6months

<hr width=100% size=1>Group of people on the pontoon: skipper is the one with the toolbox.
http://sirocco31.tripod.com

 

[squidge]

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did on our first trip over this year, As the above posts, its quite straight forward,although the LOA is to be considered inland, its ideal for 30ish footers / a short or lifting keel,much longer and it could be tricky and restrictive.
I cant wait to go back and am sure that you will love it.
/forums/images/icons/smile.gif

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[heerenleed]

No, you don\'t

need a sticker for Grevelingen. You only need a sticker if you wish to use pontoons on the islands in Grevelingen. If you anchor or go into marina's you don't.
I was caught once on a sunday on a pontoon on Mosselplaat Island in Grevelingen, was only told I should never do this again and that was it. If you fly your British ensign you would probably get away with it.

<hr width=100% size=1>Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands

 

[heerenleed]

No problem with our 48 footer

when doing the inland waterways. Your mast height needs more careful planning.
There is a 'standing mast route' from N to S of Netherlands. Their website is www.staandemast.nl (don't know how to make this clickable) which is in Dutch but shows the complete route in chartlets as well (De Route).

The route which is mainly the part from Amsterdam to Dordrecht has a lot of obstacles in the form of opening bridges (the Gouda railway bridge is notorious) but you know you can do it in 24 hrs if you must, and this cannot always be said about the sea route.

Otherwise it is quite enjoyable if you have lots of time and you can afford some overnight stops.

For any detailed info do not hesitate to PM

cheers



<hr width=100% size=1>Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands

 

[dickh]

Re: No, you don\'t

Whoops! - we moored up two or three times on the island pontoons 3 years ago - but no-one questioned us or demanded any payment. We thought it was a great system, oh and we'll be going again - had to abort the proposed trip to Holland this year....

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[heerenleed]

Re: No, you don\'t

I would not worry about it. It is not even very expensive, I think perhaps a fiver for a ten days permit. They use the money to maintain the pontoons and to pay for garbage removal off the islets. I think there are even loos. Also, it is a help against overcrowding. (area gets too crowded during summer weekends and in the holiday season)

I never bothered to look, but there are information posts on the waiting pontoons at the Bruinisse lock. Knowing us Dutch, there is bound to be an English and a German version. After locking in, you should moor up in the marina where you can buy your sticker.

However, in Frisian waters, they have a foundation that maintains pontoons about anywhere in the area that really are free. Best area for water sports in the Netherlands, motorboating AND sailing IMHO.

Anyway: Do come back to us. Make sure and PM me if you want any 'inside information' about cruising in the Netherlands.

cheers



<hr width=100% size=1>Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands

 

[dickh]

Re: No, you don\'t

Heerenland, don't worry, we'll be back, couldn't make it this year as I damaged my shoulder and was banned from sailing for the rest of the season by my doctor! Will certainly be in touch next year. If you sailing to the UK next year we are in River Deben, near Harwich, you'll be very welcome, Mirelle is also on the Deben.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif