During Ascension, Pentecost, and the summer holidays, it is often extra busy on Dutch waterways. To ensure that recreational boaters can pass locks safely and quickly, Rijkswaterstaat, as in previous years, deploys stewards at a number of busy or complex locks.
The stewards assist in choosing a suitable spot in the lock chamber and in safe mooring. This contributes to a safe and smooth lock process.
Where and when are stewards deployed?
Passing a lock can be a challenge for less experienced skippers, especially when they do not yet know the lock or have to maneuver between large inland ships. The stewards are there to guide them, so that everyone can quickly and safely continue their journey. They work under the supervision of the lock operator and support recreational boaters by:
- conveying instructions from the lock operator, such as the order of entry and positioning in the chamber
- assisting with mooring
- answering questions and providing information.
In 2025, stewards will be deployed at 14 Rijkswaterstaat locks where waiting times can arise during busy periods, where commercial and recreational shipping lock together, or where there is a large height difference in the water (fall). The stewards are active during the summer holidays and on busy days around Ascension and Pentecost. The deployment per location depends on the expected crowds and can be found in the schedule on Stewards at the lock.
Prepare your journey well
We do everything we can to keep the waterway as safe as possible, but good travel preparation also lies with the skipper themselves. A good start is half the work! Therefore, Rijkswaterstaat calls on recreational boaters to prepare well before departure:
- Know the navigation rules: make sure you are aware of the applicable navigation rules.
- Plan your trip: check your route in advance and take busy bottlenecks into account.
- Check the operating times: avoid surprises by consulting the current opening times of bridges and locks via the website Vaarweginformatie.
- Be considerate of others: on the water, as on the road, right-of-way rules apply.
- Ensure the right equipment: think, for example, of sufficient life jackets on board. Check Varen Doe Je Samen for a useful checklist.
With the right preparation and help from our stewards, we ensure a safe and pleasant boating experience together!