Mooring permit

Do you want to moor your vessel at a fixed location in the Netherlands? You need a mooring permit (ligplaatsvergunning). You can obtain a mooring permit from the municipal authorities or the regional water authorities (in Dutch). You need a mooring permit for example for a:

• houseboat
• corporate vessel
• floating terrace
• terrace boat

Conditions for a mooring permit

The mooring permit contains conditions relating to public order, safety, the environment, hygiene and health. The municipal authority or the regional water authority may also set requirements on the vessel’s dimensions. The mooring permit is specific to a particular person, mooring place and vessel. Do any of these details change, for instance when you buy a new vessel? You will have to apply for a new mooring permit.

Information on mooring places

Fixed mooring places are included in the municipality’s environment plan. In the environment plan, the municipal authority designates sections where mooring is allowed and where it is prohibited.

Do you want to moor your boat in or near the marina? The municipal port by-law (havenverordening) also contains rules on mooring places. The area covered by the port by-law differs between municipalities. The by-law applies to vessels located in that area.

Personal mooring places

Do you want to moor your vessel at a location bordering your private ground? Some municipalities require you to apply for a personal mooring place permit. This mooring permit expires when you relocate.

Costs for a mooring permit

When you apply for a mooring permit you may have to pay municipal administrative charges (leges). Consult the municipal authority for the costs to obtain a mooring permit.

Provincial waterways

For some (parts of) provincial waterways a mooring ban is in place. In some cases you can apply for dispensation from this ban. You can apply for this dispensation to the provincial authorities.