Navigation Permit

A navigation permit (vaarvergunning) is required to operate a motorboat or other motorized vessel on many Dutch waterways. Municipalities, water boards and Rijkswaterstaat each manage their own waters and set their own rules for which vessels need a permit. Permits are typically available as day, week or season passes.

On most inland waters a general speed limit applies, often between 6 and 20 km/h. If you want to go faster, you need a separate speed exemption (snelvaarontheffing). Requirements vary by location: some waters require a valid boating license (vaarbewijs), while others have restrictions on engine power, noise or wake.

Requirements

  • Boating license: You must hold a valid boating license (vaarbewijs).
  • Area of validity: The exemption applies only to the Braassemermeer, excluding the buoy-marked navigation channel and the quiet zone.
  • Personal permit: The exemption is personal; the holder must be present in or on the boat, unless it concerns family members (up to second degree) or company employees who hold a boating license.
  • Documents on board: The exemption, registration certificate, insurance certificate, and boating license must be on board and shown upon request.

Procedure

  • Annual exemption: Application via onlineregelen.kaagenbraassem.nl using DigiD or eHerkenning. Valid from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Cost: €343.60.
  • Day exemption: Available at the Paddegat ferry in Woubrugge (max. 4 per day). Cost: €52.12.
  • Registration change: For submitting a change (new registration number), you pay €30.20.
  • Objection period: Interested parties can submit an objection to the council within 6 weeks of publication.

Restrictions and Regulations

  • Time restrictions: No navigation between sunset and sunrise, not later than 22:00 and not earlier than 08:00. Not when visibility is less than 500 meters.
  • Distance restrictions: Not within 150 meters of shores, mooring places, or swimming facilities; not within 75 meters of anchored ships, swimmers, or competitions.
  • Speed limits: Not faster than 12 km/h on other parts; not faster than 70 km/h in permitted areas.
  • Prohibitions: No jet-skis or waterscooters; no navigation without closed exhaust; no alcohol use while operating; when waterskiing, a second lookout (15+ years) must be on board.