The love for water is instilled in many Dutch people from an early age. Children learn to swim well at a young age and on a warm summer day a trip to the beach is very popular. Fortunately, we have a lot of water in the Netherlands. Not only for swimming, but also for boating, paddle boarding, sailing, and much more.
For many people, their love of sailing starts recreationally. They rent a boat together with family or friends to experience what it is like. Relaxing on the sparkling water with the sun on your face and a cool breeze in the background. Enjoying the reed beds, the pleasant hustle and bustle on the water and the beauty of nature along the winding rivers. Most people find this wonderful and enjoy it to the fullest. It is not uncommon for the idea of owning your own boat to arise here. But owning your own boat also entails responsibility. What is allowed and what is not? When do you need a boating license, and what is the etiquette on the water?
Sailing, what is always allowed?
You do not need a boating license on a boat that cannot sail faster than 20 km per hour and is not longer than 15 meters. This guideline is applied very strictly. If you sail faster, or the boat is longer, you must be able to show your boating license. Incidentally, a boating license is a very good idea if you plan to regularly go out on the water with your own boat. The usual etiquette on the water is especially important. If you are not aware of this, a boating error is quickly made.
When do you actually need a boating license?
As we explained above, you need a boating license if your boat travels faster than 20 kilometers per hour and is longer than 15 meters. You also need a boating license if you use your boat commercially for the transport of goods and/or people.
Small Craft License I
This boating license is very suitable for people who prefer to be recreational and want to enjoy the water with their own boat. With this small boating license I you are allowed to sail a boat on most inland waters, small lakes, rivers and the Gouwzee. This boating license is also an international certificate for inland waters (ICC). The validity is unlimited, provided there are no medical objections.
To apply for a Small Boat License I, you must be at least 18 years old and have successfully completed the KVB1 theory exam. During the KVB1 exam, your knowledge will be tested and you must be able to demonstrate that you are familiar with the legal provisions for sailing on canals, lakes and rivers. You will also gain knowledge about dealing with special situations and the various conditions on the water.
Small Craft License II
If you have this boating license, you may also sail on larger open waters at more than 20 km per hour and be longer than 15 meters. This includes the Markermeer, the IJsselmeer, the Eems and the Ooster- and Westerschelde. This boating license, which is a nice addition to the Klein Vaarbewijs I, is also an international certificate and has an unlimited validity.
During the theory exam you must be able to demonstrate that you have knowledge of tides and currents and that you are able to read a map. It is important that you can plan a sailing trip and take into account the wind and the course that you see on your compass. Now this seems very complicated, but if you already have a Small Boat License I, the step for Small Boat License II is not that big anymore.
Etiquette, what everyone on the water should know
The etiquette on the water is very important and is also the best basis for a lot of sailing fun. First of all, it is good to know that it is very normal to greet each other on the water. It may feel a bit strange, but this is really part of it. So wave enthusiastically, let the other person know that you have seen them and take each other into account.
Another important unwritten rule is to help each other when necessary. So never look away, but always offer a helping hand if you see that a boat or skipper could use some help. Always try to avoid a collision, give priority to commercial shipping and let faster boats go first.
