Copenhagen: boating safety
Last verified:
Copenhagen lies on the Sound (Øresund), the busy strait between Denmark and Sweden. Visiting yachts berth in the city's marinas or in the inner harbour at Nyhavn and Ofelia Plads, and the harbour has its own speed limits and rules. Large ships pass close by on their way between the Baltic and the Kattegat.
Denmark: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →
Harbour and marinas
By & Havn's maritime duty phone (for bridge openings, the lock and ship calls) is 4042 3977; the duty line is staffed around the clock but outside office hours is for urgent matters only. Copenhagen Malmö Port's harbour watch (staffed 24 h) is 3546 1111.
By & Havn · By & Havn · By & Havn ▾
Boats under 25 m cannot book a guest berth in the inner harbour; at Nyhavn and Ofelia Plads you pay the harbour fee at the ticket machine on arrival. Svanemøllehavnen marina: 39 20 22 21.
By & Havn · By & Havn · By & Havn ▾
Weather
DMI weather warnings are sent out by the same means as the Danish Maritime Authority's warnings (including the SejlSikkert app). By & Havn's weather station (byoghavn.dk/vejrstation) shows wind, current speed and current direction in the harbour.
Danish Maritime Authority · Danish Maritime Authority · By & Havn ▾
Local rules
Speed limits (measured by GPS): 6 knots in the main channel (Hovedløbet) and Sluseløbet but 4 knots in all marinas; 5 knots in Kalvebodløbet; 4 knots in all canals, basins and side channels.
By & Havn · By & Havn · By & Havn ▾
Sailing under sail is prohibited inside Copenhagen harbour.
By & Havn ▾
Swimming in Copenhagen harbour is prohibited except at facilities or areas approved for bathing.
By & Havn ▾
Hazards
In Kronløbet leisure boats must keep to the south and commercial traffic to the north. When the red lights flash, entering the harbour is prohibited. These rules apply until a permanent arrangement is in place; also check the Danish Maritime Authority's notices to mariners.
By & Havn · By & Havn · By & Havn ▾
The Sound has a mandatory ship reporting system (SOUNDREP) for vessels over 300 GT, run by Sound VTS on VHF 73 (northern sector) and VHF 71 (southern sector).
Sjöfartsverket · Sjöfartsverket ▾
Hospital and medical
Call the medical helpline 1813 before going to an emergency room in Copenhagen, and bring your health card.
City of Copenhagen ▾
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Copenhagen?
Call JRCC Denmark on +45 72 85 03 80. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in Copenhagen?
By & Havn's maritime duty phone (for bridge openings, the lock and ship calls) is 4042 3977; the duty line is staffed around the clock but outside office hours is for urgent matters only. Copenhagen Malmö Port's harbour watch (staffed 24 h) is 3546 1111.
Where do I get the marine forecast for Copenhagen?
DMI weather warnings are sent out by the same means as the Danish Maritime Authority's warnings (including the SejlSikkert app). By & Havn's weather station (byoghavn.dk/vejrstation) shows wind, current speed and current direction in the harbour.
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com