FAQ
FAQ about our lessons:
What should I bring?
It is colder on the water, so bring a cap or hat. The fleece ones are very nice.
You can use waterproofs and buoyancy aids from us at no extra cost.
Sunglasses, preferably with a cord so you won't loose them.
Suncream and lip balm. You tan (and burn) a lot faster on the water.
No leather shoes, or shoes with black soles. They leave marks on the boat. A black sole that is marked non-marking will not mark and is thus acceptable. Bare feet or flip-flops are not allowed.
A couple of plastic bags to separate wet clothing from dry clothing in your bag.
Glasses can be a bit of a nuisance on board, especially when it rains or when we get some spray over the bow. Use contact lenses instead. (Do not rub glasses with salt water dry, the salt crystals will scratch the coating: rinse them with water to dissolve the salt)
Some other useful ideas:
Please bring your boating licenses, such as VHF, First Aid, vaarbewijs, level 1 etc. Logbooks are always useful.
A small torch. A headlamp is ideal. Big lights ruin your night vision. (The Flevo Marina is a well lit marina, some others are less perfect) Some small euro coins, for toilet use and showers. (not needed if we stay in Lelystad)
Leave large jewelry and expensive watches at home. The risk of loosing them is too great. The same applies for phone's.
Camera's have a hard life on board of a boat. A small compact camera is fine, we will make sure that there is a photo opportunity.
For intermediate and advanced: cover your car satnav for a while and use an inexpensive compass.
If you spend the night on one of the sailing yachts: Bring a sleeping bag and pillow cover.
You can spend the night on one of our sailing yachts, when booked in advance. There are numerous hotels in our area. If you stay on a sailing yacht, please bring a sleeping bag and pillow cover. The boats are heated.
How do I book?
The most efficient way is by email (
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), and if possible tell us:
-The number of people you would like to book with. If you book with two or more, we can book any date that suits us both. This means that you could be joined with another person. We don't mix languages on board, it's either English or Dutch.
-Level of training that you want to do, including dates on which you can or cannot attend.
-If you prefer a weekend or weekdays.
-Your telephone number, and if we can call you at that number during working hours or after.
You can also call 024.78.51.520 during office hours. (0031.24.78.51.520 from outside the Netherlands)
FAQ about operating a boat in the Netherlands
I am not a lawyer, so I can't promise you that this information is 100% accurate. Especially the ICC has many twists and turns and is regularly changed.
-When do I need a license to operate a boat in the Netherlands?
If you operate a boat that is longer than 15 meters or if it can go faster than 20 km / hr. It does not matter if you would need a license for the same boat in your own country!
-What is a valid license?
Either an ICC, valid for the type of water you operate the boat in (coastal or inland), or the Dutch "Klein Vaarbewijs". There are two versions: 1 for inland, 2 for coastal waters. The IJsselmeer = coastal! You can find more ICC information here. A very favourable change is expected to be made in October.
-How do I get an ICC?
-If you are British, or if you are residing in Britain, you can apply for the ICC when you have a Level 2 powerboat certificate. That ICC is valid for boats up to 10 meters. Please see the RYA website (you will leave my site)
-If you are Dutch, or if you are residing in the Netherlands, you can apply for an ICC when you have a Klein Vaarbewijs. With a Klein Vaarbewijs 1: inland, with a klein vaarbewijs 2 : coastal waters.
-If you are not Dutch: Usually you can apply for an ICC if you have a a national license and if your country has accepted Resolution 14, or the new Resolution 40. Please inquire in your own country.
-Where is the ICC valid?
This is where it gets complicated: Some countries have accepted resolution 14. Resolution 40 is the new version, which is signed by seven countries, such as the Netherlands. Some countries have not signed 14 nor 40 but do ask for an ICC to foreigners... Check with your charter agency before you book the trip!
The situation is improving but that also means that it changes frequently.
-How do I get a "klein vaarbewijs"?
You have to pass a theoretical exam, consisting of multiple choice questions. The exam is in Dutch, you can ask for a verbal exam. The exam is not considered to be difficult, although a lot of question are quite theoretic. Read more (in Dutch) about the exam here. (you will leave this website) We do not organize a course for this exam, there are numerous people offering courses all around the Netherlands. It is also possible to study the book, and pass the exam. Please make sure first that you will get an ICC: you have to be a resident of the Netherlands for at least 5 years!
-What is the MCA and the commercially endorsed exam?
The MCA is the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency. If you want to work or operate a MCA coded boat, you need to pass a seperate exam. For non-commercial work this is usually not necessary, but please do check! (MCA website)
Nationality and residence are not applicable. We are trying to figure out if a commercially endorsed license would be accepted in the Netherlands.