Bridges and locks

Bridges and locks everywhere in Friesland
If you sail in Friesland, there is no way of escaping bridges and locks. In order to continue your journey over the water, you have to pass these bridges and locks. Almanak 2 and the ANWB maps inform you exactly about the position of the bridges and locks in Friesland and what to do when facing them.

Bridges
Both the Almanak 2 map and ANWB maps give you an impression about the headroom of bridges, classified by the location of the city and waterway. The H-letter indicates a not-moving bridge; the BB-letter combination indicates a moving bridge. The headroom of your yacht is calculated from water level to the highest point of the yacht, excluding retractable and removable elements. Usually the passage of moving bridges is organized by light signs, the passage of not-moving bridges by navigation systems (red-white signs).

At communal bridges you are required to pay bridge charges. You can find the tariffs in Almanak 2 or at the bridge you have to pass. Make sure that you have got enough coins with you.

Locks
Also locks will obstruct your journey over water temporarily. On the Almanak 2 and ANWB waterway maps you can find the length and width of all locks. Because of the small difference in altitude, there won’t be problems during the passage. When the lock guarder has given a sign, you are allowed to enter the lock. Prevent damaging your yacht by installing the bumpers, keeping ready the ropes and by obeying the lock guarder’s instructions. Please watch out, because locks can be very busy.

If there is a lot of commercial boating in the lock, simply wait until the cargo-boats have left the lock before you enter. Make sure that everyone on the yacht has his/her own task, don’t use a boat hook, don’t keep your hand between the ship and the lock wall and don’t jump from the ship on the lock wall. If you observe these tips, you won’t get any problems.