Waterway Use Permit

A waterway use permit (vergunning vaarweggebruik) is required when you wish to transport special goods over a waterway, such as a canal or river, or when you wish to operate a vessel that is larger than permitted. The permit regulates the use of the waterway for exceptional transports.

The permit is applied for via the Digital Counter for Special Transport (Digitaal loket bijzonder transport, DLBT) and is issued by the competent authority managing the relevant waterway, such as a water authority (hoogheemraadschap) or province. The rules are set out in the Binnenvaartpolitiereglement (Inland Waterway Police Regulations).

Requirements

  • Special goods: The cargo does not meet standard dimensions or is of a special nature (dangerous substances, exceptional dimensions).
  • Vessel dimensions: The vessel is larger than the permitted dimensions for the relevant waterway according to the Binnenvaartpolitiereglement.
  • Application via DLBT: The application must be submitted via the Digital Counter for Special Transport (DLBT).

Procedure

  • Application: Submit your application via the Digital Counter for Special Transport (DLBT).
  • Assessment: The competent authority (water authority or province) assesses the application based on safety, navigability, and any limitations of the waterway.
  • Conditions: Conditions may be attached to the permit, such as escort requirements, time windows, or route prescriptions.
  • Decision: You will receive a decision within the statutory period.

Restrictions

  • Area-specific: The permit applies only to the specified waterway and route.
  • Temporary: The permit is often temporary or valid for a specific voyage.
  • Compliance: You must comply with all conditions and regulations of the Binnenvaartpolitiereglement and the permit.