Not only in traffic, but also on the water traffic rules apply. And that makes sense, because that way we keep it safe and fun for everyone. In order to prevent dangerous situations and high fines, it is very important that you know the general rules. In this article we tell you what you need to know about the sailing rules and the priority rules on the water.
General traffic rules
There are rules for safe sailing. As a driver and skipper of a fast motorboat, jet ski or jet ski you must be at least 18 years old. On the water, the maximum speed is 20 km/h, unless otherwise indicated. On the waterway, keep to the starboard side (right side) as much as possible. Keep to the same course and look around you regularly. Only take a mooring at locations where this is permitted. These locations are indicated by signs.
Furthermore, you must have a boating license as skipper of a fast boat (when the boat can sail faster than 20 km/h) or a long boat, longer than 15 meters (this boat does not have to be able to sail fast). You must also use a dead man's cord (or similar device), which ensures that the engine automatically stops if the driver suddenly falls overboard. And of course, you are not allowed to drink alcohol as a skipper. The legal limit on the water is 0,5 per mille.
Signs on the water
On the water you can encounter various traffic signs. The most important traffic sign on the water is the prohibition sign. This is a square sign with a red border and a red diagonal line from top left to bottom right. For example, do you see a large “P” with a red diagonal line through it? Then that means you are not allowed to moor there. With the same sign in blue, you are allowed to anchor or moor. Do you see a square sign with three horizontal lines above each other, of which the top and bottom lines are red? Then entry, exit or passage are connected. This sign is usually located near a bridge.
Right of way rules on the water
On the water, starboard goes before port. Right has priority. If you are sailing in a channel on the right side of the main waterway, you have priority over boats and ships that want to sail onto the main waterway. This does not apply if the other ship is also sailing from a waterway with buoys. In that case, the large ship goes before the small ship. According to the rules of priority on the water, a motorboat must always give way to a vessel that is propelled by muscle power. Think of a sailing boat, rowing boat, pedal boat or a Supper. Based on the principle of good seamanship, you should always try to avoid a collision. This means that you must give way if you are not given priority, even if you should be given priority.
What do you do with cargo ships?
A large part of the waterway network is also used by commercial shipping. Small ships must always give way to large ships (larger than 20m), passenger ships, ferries and tugboats. These ships usually sail very fast and cannot simply slow down. Fishing boats and tugboats are also considered large ships and therefore also have priority (when they are working). This also applies if these ships are shorter than 20 metres.
Technical check of the boat
Are you going out on the water? Make sure that the boat is in good technical condition. Make sure that the batteries are full and that there is enough fuel. It is also wise to check the cooling water and the engine oil level. When you are moored again, make sure that you leave the boat in a safe and secure condition. This means that you switch off the engine, clean up any rubbish and waste and that you store other items neatly. Do not forget the cover. A properly locked boat not only prevents theft but also water damage in the boat.
