Voyage preparation

Before you go sailing

• Let a person staying at homeknow your travel schedule and expected return time. Also give the homeowner a description and photos of the boat. Consider, for example, the type of vessel, its size, and what means of lifesaving appliances and communication equipment available is on board.
• The weather can change quickly. Check the weather forecast in advance and make sure you know where to go (diversion harbour) in case of weather changes.
• Carry out engine maintenance before the start of theseason. More than 40% of emergency response to the leisure shipping sector is for engine problems.
• Safe navigation is only possible with official and updated nautical charts.
• Tune the VHF to the local mandatory traffic channel. Shipping, navigation and weather announcements are announced on channel 16.
• Make use of an automatic identification system (AIS) and a radar reflector. It will make you more visible to the rest of surrounding shipping traffic.t.
• Be aware of local laws and regulations, including general navigation rules.
• Make sure several crew members know how to sail the vessel. If the skipper unable to sail, someone else must be able to sail the vessel.
• Check the weather forecasts in the area you are going to sail.

Need assistance in Netherlands waters

Prepare for any emergencies or breakdown. Make sure you have the contact details of local emergency services and maritime support providers in the Netherlands on board. In case of emergency, you call the Coastguard. In non-emergency situations, contact a maritime support provider for assistance. A list of maritime support providers can be found at https://kustwacht.nl/en/help. Tip: print out the list of maritime support providers. In various areas there is no cell or internet reception.