Belgium - Restrictions

Belgium Restrictions for Yachts

• Useful information for visiting yachts can be found at Guide on the Water.
• It is illegal in Belgium to buy or use marked 'red' diesel for propelling a private pleasure craft. See the RYA Advice for Marked Red Diesel.
• It is prohibited to discharge or dump solid or liquid materials which may pollute the water both inland and at sea.
• Swimming is generally forbidden in inland waterways except where signs show it to be permitted.
• The yacht must be equipped with adequate safety equipment including- coloured rockets, safety harnesses, compass, lifejackets, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, navigation lights, bilge pump, anchor, tools for the engine.
• The name and home port must be clearly marked on the stern.
• When motorsailing, a black cone with its apex down must be hoisted in the rigging.
• Port entry signals must be obeyed, due to the very heavy shipping traffic in and out of ports.
• Navigation is freely allowed on the Belgian waterways, although there are regulations one should be aware of. There are maximum speed limits on many of the canals and rivers. Vessels must not sail within 20meters (60 ft) of the banks of the River Meuse and the Ghent-Terneuzen canal, and within eight meters (25 ft) on the Lys and the Brussels - Charleroi canal.  Full details of the regulations can be obtained in the booklet "Dispositions reglementant la police et la navigation", available from the offices at the locks. Information is also obtainable from the Ministère des Travaux Publics.
• Foreign yachts arriving in Belgium by one of the canals must report to the first navigation tax office, to complete an entry declaration. On departure an exit declaration must also be signed at a navigation tax office. These offices are situated at the locks.
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