Known for its vast waterways, the Netherlands offers residents and visitors alike countless opportunities to enjoy water sports and boating. Whether you dream of a peaceful trip through the canals of Amsterdam, exploring the Frisian Eleven Cities Tour, or an adventurous sailing trip on the Wadden Sea, knowledge of Dutch sailing rules is essential. In this blog post we discuss everything you need to know about obtaining and the importance of a boating license in the Netherlands.
What is a boating license?
A boating license is comparable to a driver's license, but for sailing on the water. In the Netherlands, this document is mandatory for certain types and sizes of vessels. It ensures that the driver has knowledge of navigation rules, safety, and environmental regulations on the water.
There are two main types of boating licenses:
- Boating license I: This is required for boats that are longer than 15 meters or can sail faster than 20 km/h, but not on large waters such as the Wadden Sea, the IJsselmeer, the Western Scheldt, the Oosterschelde, and the Markermeer.
- Boating License II: This includes Boating License I and is mandatory for sailing on all Dutch waters, including the above-mentioned major waters. It Boating license 2 exam You can only take it after you have passed Boating license 1.
For whom is a boating license required?
The Boating License is mandatory for:
- Skippers of boats longer than 15 meters.
- Skippers of boats that can go faster than 20 km/h (including jet skis and fast motor boats).
How do you get a boating license?
Demo course
To get an idea of the online course, it is best to watch this demo. This demo of the number 1 boating license provider in the Netherlands, contains 7 topics and 11 questions.
Theory exam
The online course Boating License 1 via Vaarbesluit.nl is 100% exam-oriented. The teaching material is tailored to the current exam requirements of the CBR.
Each part of a lesson is alternated with exam questions in multiple choice form. After the nine lessons, there are 29 test exams to test your knowledge. You can repeat the lessons and test exams as often as you want.
Tips for studying
Take advantage of online courses, study books and practice exams. It is also useful to gain experience by sailing with experienced skippers.
Safety on the water
Safety is the highest priority on the water. A boating license helps with:
- Understanding safety procedures.
- Being able to respond to emergency situations.
- Promoting responsible behavior on the water.
5 popular sailing areas in the Netherlands
The Netherlands offers a variety of beautiful sailing areas, each with its unique charms and challenges. Here are five popular destinations for boat license holders:
- IJsselmeer
The IJsselmeer, the largest lake in the Netherlands, is a paradise for sailors and motorboaters. With historic cities such as Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and Volendam along its banks, the IJsselmeer offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural wealth. The lake is also ideal for long distance cruising and offers challenging conditions for experienced sailors. - Markermeer
The Markermeer is adjacent to the IJsselmeer. This area is known for its calm waters and is therefore very suitable for beginners or for those who want a relaxing day on the water. Cities such as Marken and Monnickendam are popular destinations. - Biesbosch
De Biesbosch National Park is a unique freshwater tidal area with winding creeks and small islands. It is a fantastic area for nature lovers and offers great opportunities for canoeing, rowing and peaceful boat trips. Observing the rich flora and fauna, including beavers and countless bird species, makes a trip through the Biesbosch unforgettable. - Sailing route 6, Salland and Gelderse IJssel
This route offers a beautiful trip along the IJssel, one of the most beautiful rivers in the Netherlands. It passes historic cities such as Deventer and Zutphen, with their beautiful quays and old buildings. This route is perfect for a multi-day trip and offers a nice mix of nature and culture. - Eleven Cities Boat Tour
This famous route, known for the Eleven Cities Ice Skating Tour, is also a great experience by boat. The tour takes you past Frisian cities, offers varied landscapes and passes through charming villages. It is an adventurous trip that requires good skills, given the many bridges and locks.
Each of these areas has its own characteristics and requirements in terms of skills and experience. It is always important to be well prepared, with knowledge of local regulations and circumstances.
With a boating license in hand and a passion for sailing, these Dutch waters are ready to be discovered by you with a boating license!
