IJsselmeer (Enkhuizen and Lelystad): boating safety
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The IJsselmeer is the largest freshwater lake in the Netherlands, closed off from the Wadden Sea by the Afsluitdijk; the Houtribdijk between Enkhuizen and Lelystad separates it from the Markermeer. It is a shallow inland sea popular for sailing, with historic harbours such as Enkhuizen.
Netherlands: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →
Harbour and marinas
Enkhuizen municipal harbour (Buitenhaven, Binnenhaven/Oude Haven and Oosterhaven): harbour office at Havenweg 3, VHF channel 12, phone 0228 31 24 44.
Gemeente Enkhuizen – Haven Enkhuizen · Gemeente Enkhuizen – Haven Enkhuizen · Gemeente Enkhuizen – Haven Enkhuizen ▾
Weather
The Coastguard (Kustwacht) broadcasts the weather on VHF channels 23 and 83 at 08:05, 13:05, 19:05 and 23:05 Dutch local time. The KNMI VHF forecast covers Dutch coastal waters and the adjoining lakes and estuaries.
Kustwacht Nederland · Kustwacht Nederland · KNMI ▾
Local rules
Fast motorboats (under 20 m, able to exceed 20 km/h) are limited to 20 km/h unless signs say otherwise, and need the Klein Vaarbewijs part 2 licence on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer.
Rijkswaterstaat · Rijkswaterstaat ▾
Where the inland rules (BPR) apply, sailing in poor visibility is only allowed with approved radar, a radar-qualified skipper and VHF; without radar, keep to starboard and stop outside the channel until visibility improves.
Rijkswaterstaat · Rijkswaterstaat ▾
Hazards
Waves on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer build very fast: normally about 40 cm, they can reach 1.5 m in a storm and be fully developed within an hour, faster still in thunderstorms.
Rijkswaterstaat · Rijkswaterstaat ▾
In storms or heavy thunderstorms the water level can rise by up to 1.5 m in a short time and fall again just as quickly; these swings are hard to predict.
Rijkswaterstaat ▾
Hospital and medical
Dijklander Ziekenhuis, Hoorn: Emergency Department (Spoedeisende Hulp) open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with its own entrance left of the main entrance.
Dijklander Ziekenhuis · Dijklander Ziekenhuis ▾
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near IJsselmeer (Enkhuizen and Lelystad)?
Call JRCC Den Helder on +31 88 958 4040. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in IJsselmeer (Enkhuizen and Lelystad)?
Enkhuizen municipal harbour (Buitenhaven, Binnenhaven/Oude Haven and Oosterhaven): harbour office at Havenweg 3, VHF channel 12, phone 0228 31 24 44.
Where do I get the marine forecast for IJsselmeer (Enkhuizen and Lelystad)?
The Coastguard (Kustwacht) broadcasts the weather on VHF channels 23 and 83 at 08:05, 13:05, 19:05 and 23:05 Dutch local time. The KNMI VHF forecast covers Dutch coastal waters and the adjoining lakes and estuaries.
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com