Haven Amsterdam

Yachting

Cruising rules

Cruising is possible in Amsterdam on the elaborate system of canals in and around the city centre, but also on the North Sea Canal and the IJ. These are also important international transport waterways which are widely used by commercial shipping. Rules have been drawn up to ensure that shipping traffic can pass rapidly, safely and with respect for the environment.

Rules for cruising

• For Amsterdam, the regulations on port and inland waters are called the 'Verordening op de Haven en het Binnenwater' or 'Local act on Harbour and Inland waterways'
• For the Netherlands this is called the Inland Police Regulation or BPR

On the basis of these rules the Amsterdam port control and police patrol boats can give compulsory instructions and issue fines if necessary.

A number of tips

• The port basins in the western port area are not accessible to pleasure vessels
• Keep to starboard
• Keep a good lookout, both in front of and behind you
• The maximum speed on the above-mentioned waterways is 18 kilometres per hour
• Cruise ships and vessels longer than 20 metres always have right of way
• Sailing is only permitted with the engine on stand-by, tacking is not permitted
• Pay attention to (fast) ferries and hydrofoils
• It is obligatory to use navigational lighting in the dark, during twilight and in mist
• It is prohibited to handle a vessel under the influence of alcohol
• Rowing boats, canoes and small vessels must avoid sailing on the river IJ as much as possible. Should you sail there, remember commercial vessels have limited view and may not easily see you.

Information on sailing on the Amsterdam canals: Binnenwaterbeheer Amsterdam or Inland Water Management Amsterdam

VHF

VHF channels in the area use the following frequencies:

• Locks in the IJmuiden area VHF 22
• From IJmuiden to kilometre marker 10.7 on the North Sea Canal VHF 3
• From kilometre marker 10.7 to the north side of the Java island VHF 68
• From the Java island to the Amsterdam Rhine Canal VHF 60
• In the area of the Oranje locks (locks) VHF 18

An overview of all marine telephone channels that are used in the Amsterdam port area can be found on )?>the VTF area outline map.

Fishing

Fishing on the river IJ is permitted with a permit from the Fishing Association and in compliance with the fishing regulations.

Fishing from shore
Fishing from shore is permitted. It is prohibited to fish from shore on closed sites in the port area.

Fishing on the water
It is prohibited to fish on the water in the oil port area.
With regard to shipping safety, it is advised not to do the following with a fishing boat:

• To be in the entrance areas or mouths of the harbours or port basins
• To drift on the North Sea Canal or the river IJ

Standing mast route

If you want to sail on the inland waterways towards Rotterdam in a boat with a mast higher then nine metres then your only option is to use the 'standing mast route'.

Part of the route goes through Amsterdam's city centre. A maximum draught of three metres applies in this area.

The route begins 1.7 kilometres to the west of Central Station in the Oude Houthaven. Along this route you will sail under the Westerkanaal rail bridge at the Haarlemmerplein. This bridge only opens around two o' clock at night.

Convoys sail from this bridge from two o' clock (02.00). There is a mooring facility in front of the bridge. When closed the bridge has a maximum clearance of six metres.

The other bridges are operated 24 hours a day. For more information please consult the ANWB watersport almanac.