Moving to Belgium

[zubol]

Hello guys,

In three month time I have to move to Brussels (new job) and I would like to take my RIB with me. Is anyone here from Belgium or someone who knows something about ribbing in this country? any advise will be more than welcome.

Thank you.

[mister p]

Try some whitewater rafting in Holland........the black runs there are good I hear.

[mick]

From what I have seen driving through Belgium there are plenty of big rivers and canals to go at, I think you may need to do a test though but not sure if that's Holland or Belgium
Good luck with the job.

[C-NUMB]

If You don't have a CEVNI license already, that is something You will need i think both in Belgium and Holland on the inland waters.

[MarkM]

Know a few people from Belgium/Brussels and most of them come over to Holland for their Ribbing.
Inland waters around Gent, Belgium coast Zeebrugge/Nieuwpoort and Holland (Raamsdonksveer/Drimmelen where I have my Scorpion on a trailer).
Advantage for the last one is: lots of directions to go, no speed limits, nice places to visit, same distance to drive from Brussels.

[zubol]

MarkM do I need any licences? How to re-register it? etc

[MarkM]

In Holland we have ICC (international license to drive a fast boat) and that's ok for all over Europe. Maybe you get something like that in the UK.
And there is ICP (the same, but it proves that you own the boat).
We get both at the ANWB (like your AA).
ANWB - Vrije tijd -
ANWB - Vrije tijd -
You also need a registration number on the boat.
Insurance is not required, but recommended.

[zubol]

Thanks a lot... Here on Jersey I do not need anything, just insurance.
What with inland waters? Can I go whenever I want?

[MarkM]

In Holland we have 2 kinds of licenses. VB I for almost all waters and VB II for some bigger waters. For fast boats (> 20km/hr) you need at least VB I.
I'll try and post a map of the waters around Raamsdonksveer.

[MarkM]

On this map you'll find Brussels and I put in Raamsdonksveer. From there to Rotterdam is less than one hour. In 1.5 hours you're on the Noordzee.
Near Raamsdonksveer there is the "Biesbosch" a national park with lots to do (10km/hr).
Also put in Westerschelde, Oosterschelde and IJsselmeer there you need VB II. Which is a license with more navigation and meteorology. All the rest is VB I.

[zubol]

Thank you very much

[C-NUMB]

Originally Posted by MarkM

In Holland we have 2 kinds of licenses. VB I for almost all waters and VB II for some bigger waters. For fast boats (> 20km/hr) you need at least VB I.
I'll try and post a map of the waters around Raamsdonksveer.

I am pretty sure that any foreigner sailing on inland waterways in Holland(and many other European inland water ways) with a leisure boat need to have the a ICC endorsed for inland waterways(CEVNI or similar additional certificate).

Only ICC is a no go on the inland waters. The Cevni course is not a big issue and really worth taking, the inland regulation& signs differ pretty much from open water.

[MarkM]

Originally Posted by C-NUMB

I am pretty sure that any foreigner sailing on inland waterways in Holland(and many other European inland water ways) with a leisure boat need to have the a ICC endorsed for inland waterways(CEVNI or similar additional certificate).

Only ICC is a no go on the inland waters. The Cevni course is not a big issue and really worth taking, the inland regulation& signs differ pretty much from open water.

For the past 12 years I've been in England, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Croatia with my boats and only had to show the ICC and ICP.

[C-NUMB]

Originally Posted by MarkM

For the past 12 years I've been in England, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Croatia with my boats and only had to show the ICC and ICP.

I am only referring to regulations, not practice in real life. I guess if You are having any boating certificate issued in Netherland, you automatically are expected to comply with inland water regulations. But as an example, UK and Finland do not acknowledge or comply locally with CEVNI, our ICC don't include the inland waterway competency. That's why we need to take the CEVNI course. I think a dutch ICC do include inland waterway competency, that is the difference.

As guessed zubol does not have the inland waterway competency, I just wanted to show him the correct direction. CEVNI requirements is also mentioned on among others on the RYA web pages.

Cant find any source confirming a foreigner boating in the Holland channels does not need a proof of inland waterway competency, but if that is really the case I stand corrected, no issue at all.

[gotchiguy]

Just to point out to the OP, the CEVNI qual can be done in an online test that is simply done at home. Not expensive, and no need to leave the house!

[zubol]

This is very useful information. Thank you guys.

[Quickflash]

Zubol, for any ribbing info in Belgium, you would be most helped by talking to the guys at Brugge Marine Centre (Brugge Marine Center - Verdeler RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats), Outboards, Boottrailers, Nautische accesoires |). They know all about ribbing in Belgium.

[zubol]

Quickflash where you recommend to go for ribbing?

[Quickflash]

Zubol,

Just about anywhere is possible on the North Sea. France and Holland are about 50Nm away and the UK is also only about 2-3 hrs away depending on where you cross over and considering weather and tide. MarkM has also made good comments regarding areas to cruise. Inland waterways allow for ribs as well as some special designated no speed limit zones. good luck

[Alan Priddy]

Originally Posted by zubol

Quickflash where you recommend to go for ribbing?

From Belgium go to Ramsgate Alan P