Is wearing a life jacket mandatory?

When is wearing a life jacket mandatory?

In the Netherlands, wearing a life jacket is mandatory in some situations. Below we list the rules.

Fast motorboat

The helmsman of a high-speed motorboat, when steering while standing, must wear a life jacket. In addition, a life jacket must be within reach for every person on board.

Professional

Those on professional vessels must wear a life jacket when disembarking or boarding, working in the dinghy or outboard, or when the gunwale or railing is lower than 80 centimeters.

Other ships

For other vessels, it is not mandatory to wear or carry a life jacket. We strongly recommend wearing life jackets anyway!

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