Cruising safely through a lock or bridge

As a water country, the Netherlands is full of bridges and locks. It is estimated that there are about 8,000 movable bridges and more than 2,000 locks. So when you sail your boat through the Netherlands, you will often pass bridges and locks. And that remains a stress point for many boaters. With these tips, we hope to make things easier for you.

Prepare your passage

• Make sure you know which complex you will be passing through, and how it can be reached. The water chart or almanac will tell you how to reach the bridge or lock keeper.
• Prepare fenders and lines for mooring. Preferably on both sides, because you don't always know which side is best to moor on.

Know the rules

In any case, make sure you know what is expected of you. The signals on bridges and locks are almost identical and fairly simple. Red means transit prohibited, red/green means transit permitted immediately and green means transit permitted. Below is the overview in a picture.

Commercial shipping usually takes precedence. Keep in touch with the bridge or lock operator so you know what the arrangements are on site.

Transit

Wait for the green signal before passing the bridge or entering or leaving the lock. But, as soon as it is allowed, do it smoothly as well. That way, everyone can move on quickly.

At locks, note the following points;

• Sail as far forward as possible. This will leave room for other boats.
• Do not leave the propeller in its work. The propeller water makes it much more difficult for all other boats to attach safely
• Put a fore and aft line on the side, but do not tie it. In some locks, the drop (the difference between the high and low sides) is as much as 8 meters. Take this into account!
• Follow the lockkeepers' instructions carefully.