Admittedly: The water police mainly target fast motorboats. There are sometimes hefty fines for speeding offences. However, the penalty for all boats starts at 90 euros from the first kilometre per hour that you are travelling too fast. So if you "speed" through a 9 km/h area at 5.5 knots, you are included. More than 6 km/h too fast costs 130 euros.
A dinghy with an outboard motor can also become the focus of the men in blue. A missing emergency stop or a dodemans button that is not attached will cost 230 euros each. The same amount is payable for sailing where this is prohibited. For example, on parts of the Prinses Magriet Canal in Friesland or on the IJ in Amsterdam. You will also be fined 230 euros for causing wake and waves where this is not permitted, overtaking or mooring in prohibited areas. The same applies to driving through a bridge or entering a lock if this is not yet permitted, for example if the lock keeper has given other instructions despite a green traffic light.
Once again on the subject of the dinghy: If it starts to glide with light children on board and therefore travels faster than 20 km/h, it is considered a fast motorboat. It may then only be operated by people over the age of 18 with a driving licence. It must also be registered. Anyone who fails to observe this will be fined 550 euros for driving without a licence.
The VHF radio on board, the marifoon, is also checked more closely. If one is installed and nobody on board has the Marifoonbewijs, i.e. the UBI (inland, i.e. also IJsselmeer and Wadden Sea) or the SRC at sea, this costs 250 euros. 230 euros will be charged if, despite having the device on board, you are not authorised to use the VHF in the areas where it is mandatory (red and white sign with the inscription "VHFChannel number"), is not ready to listen. It is also expensive to use the device incorrectly, i.e. to transmit without an MMSI or ATIS identification. 280 euros are then due.
The fine for alcohol offences remains generally open. Anyone found at the wheel with more than 0.5 per mille will be fined. The amount depends on the circumstances and the alcohol content in the blood. A considerable sum will be due.
Despite all the fines: The Netherlands remains a beautiful sailing area. After all, the rules are designed to ensure that all water sports enthusiasts can pursue their hobby safely and as undisturbed as possible.
