Text: Jörg Müller-Dünow
The Netherlands also has the Royal Rescue Company (KNRM) The KNRM is a voluntary service that provides assistance in emergency situations at sea, with a dense network of stations and an extensive fleet of specialised vessels - very similar to the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). How the KNRM is organised and operates, read here.
The most important difference to sea rescue in Germany: in the Netherlands, everything is organised by the Nederlandse Kustwacht in the event of an emergency. The rescue service, which is always free of charge, is alerted and coordinated from there.
On the subject: KNRM - the royal sea rescuers of the Netherlands
Alerting the KNRM
- The standard emergency call at Den Helder Rescue is via VHF channel 16 or DSC. The coastguard coordinates KNRM lifeboats, helicopters and other units.
- Alternatively, the coastguard can be alerted by telephone on +31/889 58 40 40. 112 also works.
- The KNRM's Radio Medical Service (RMD) is available for medical problems on board. In life-threatening situations, the call is also made via VHF via the Coast Guard or by telephone on +31/889 58 40 20. The Coast Guard will then put you through to a doctor who will provide round-the-clock advice in both Dutch and English.
- In less urgent situations, contact should be made between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., for which the e-mail address 00@rmd.knrm.nl is also available.
- Technical support and advice: The KNRM Helpt Assistentie Centrum (KAC) provides support in cases without acute distress or danger to life and initially provides advice from a distance. In the event of engine damage, for example, the situation can be assessed and a decision made on the deployment of assistance measures. The service can be contacted on +31/889 99 61 00.
- As a general rule, the KNRM is primarily responsible for saving human lives. In purely technical emergencies, the KAC can initiate a KNRM rescue operation, but can also refer people to commercial services.
Help via app
The free "KNRM Helpt" app for mobile phones transmits both distress calls and requests for technical assistance in the event of an emergency. Skippers who are frequently travelling in the Netherlands can configure the app with their personal data and information about the ship or set up GPS tracking.
Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
