Mooring permit

Do you want to moor your vessel at a fixed location in the Netherlands? You need a mooring permit (ligplaatsvergunning). The mooring permit contains conditions relating to public order, safety, the environment, hygiene and health.

You can obtain this permit from the municipal authorities or the regional water authorities (in Dutch). 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.

Rules for mooring places

Fixed mooring places are included in the municipality’s zoning plan. In the zoning plan, the municipal authority may designate sections where mooring is prohibited. 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.