RENT A BOAT IN AMSTERDAM

In Amsterdam, various rules apply on the water, primarily aimed at maintaining safety for all water users and minimizing nuisance to the urban community.

Both the municipal enforcement officers and the water police keep a close eye on compliance with these regulations. They actively patrol the water and sometimes moor at unexpected locations to show their presence. In addition, parts of the city are also monitored from the shore by supervisors.

Fines for violations on the water are significant and can run into hundreds of euros, even for seemingly harmless violations.

Here are some important boating rules in Amsterdam:

Maximum speed

In most of the Amsterdam city centre, a maximum speed of 6 km/h applies on the water. Our boats are tuned to this limit, which means that you can sail in a boat with peace of mind within these speed limits.

Boats that come from outside Amsterdam usually do not have a speed limit of 6 km/h. So if you rent a boat outside Amsterdam and sail into the city, it is important to pay close attention and respect the speed limits.

Priority

Just like on the road, on the water it is important to keep to the right (starboard). However, the rules of right of way are a lot more complicated on the water than on the road. It is not always the case that traffic from the right has priority. This is because certain boats, including tour boats, in principle always have priority over other boats. If you are sailing a boat yourself, we recommend that you give everyone priority and only take priority if this is explicitly granted.

One way traffic and mooring

There are a number of canals in Amsterdam with one-way traffic: the entire Prinsengracht from the Westerdok to the Amstel and the Singelgracht from the Amstel to the Heineken Experience. There are also a few areas that have a no-entry policy. You are not allowed to moor the boat everywhere. There is even a no-mooring policy on some parts of the quays. These special features are always indicated with traffic signs. Therefore, always ask about the sailing regulations before you leave.

Relief

After sunset, all vessels must sail with officially recognized lighting. A romantic candlelight or the flashlight of your mobile phone will unfortunately not suffice. If you sail with a boat yourself, different rules apply. Boats only have to sail with a white all-round shining top light.

Alcohol & drugs

You are not allowed to sail a boat under the influence in Amsterdam. Just like on the road, there are alcohol and drug checks on the water. If there is reason for a check, a breath and/or blood test will be taken that can result in a hefty penalty. Apart from that, there can be serious consequences in the event of accidents on the water. Therefore, make clear agreements and resist the temptation, even if your entire crew is drinking or doing something else. On the water, the skipper is the designated driver!

Music

The rules regarding music are clear: playing amplified music on open boats is not allowed. This rule is primarily intended to prevent noise pollution from party boats in the evening and night, but applies to all water users.

Although the chance of a fine for playing music at a low volume from your mobile phone is not particularly high, formally you are still in violation. In some cases this can result in a fine, especially if other violations are found regarding your boating behavior. So be aware of the rules and avoid unnecessary fines.

Good seamanship

On the water, there is a golden rule that supersedes all other traffic regulations: good seamanship. This means that the safety of you, your crew and all other water users is of the utmost importance. Sail defensively, set a good example to others, offer help when necessary and do not always be hasty to take the right of way, even if you are formally entitled to it.