Getting licensed in Netherlands

Boating licences are national. Here is everything for Netherlands, in plain language.

Licences & exams · Netherlands

Boating Licence in the Netherlands: The Vaarbewijs Explained (2026)

A guide to the Dutch Vaarbewijs: Vaarbewijs 1 and 2, when a boating licence is required, boat size and speed thresholds, exams and inland waterway rules.

Aug 9, 2026 · 5 min

Licences & exams · Netherlands

Do You Need a Licence for a Boat in the Netherlands?

When you need a Vaarbewijs in the Netherlands and when you don't: length and speed thresholds, charter rules, inland waterway safety and foreign licences.

Aug 9, 2026 · 5 min