The VZ-W, VZ-Z and SB-Z have been completely removed. This means that the Vrouwezand and Steile Bank shallows are no longer marked by cardinal buoys. The small red and white buoys between the cardinal buoys, which shielded the protected areas under the coast, have also been removed.
They are now replaced by a fairway separation (ST 1-SB 2, marking: Q) where the VZ-W used to be. From there, an unlit green buoy line leads towards Stavoren (ST 3 to ST 7), while a red one guides water sports enthusiasts towards Lemmer. It consists of buoys SB 4 to SB 44, while buoys 8, 18, 28 and 40 are illuminated, alternating between ISO 4s and 8s.
In addition, a white-green buoy line (ST-V 1 to ST-V 21) protects the Voruwezand to the north, so that sailors from Stavoren cannot accidentally get into the shallows.
According to the Central Reporting Post for the IJsselmeer area, a kind of area centre, the reason for the adjustment is to reduce the number of bins. The plan is also to keep the new bins in place during the winter. This in turn saves additional costs. It is strongly recommended that both electronic and paper maps be adapted to the new situation. The notification with the exact positions of the bins can be here can be downloaded.
