ANWB Nautical Chart

Dutch ANWB nautical charts are specifically designed to meet the requirements of recreational boating in the Netherlands. They cover an extensive area including the North Sea along the Dutch coast, the Wadden Sea (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the IJsselmeer, the Markermeer, as well as the entire network of inland canals and waterways. Choosing suitable charting is essential for safety and regulatory compliance, particularly because in the Netherlands, carrying ANWB – 1 – Wateralmanak – Volume 1 on board is mandatory and failure to do so may result in a fine during an inspection.

What is this inland-waterway chart used for?

The value of ANWB charting lies in its ability to facilitate both voyage planning and navigation in coastal and inland waters.

• Safe route planning: They allow mariners to anticipate routes while taking bridge clearances, locks and air draught requirements into account.

• Operational assistance: They provide added value compared with digital resources alone by highlighting recommended routes and areas of nautical interest.

• Educational tool: Their clear presentation makes them ideal for gaining an overall understanding of navigated areas and for carrying out manoeuvres safely in estuaries and deltas.

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop offers these products to a wide range of users looking for safe and enjoyable recreational navigation.

• Leisure sailors and boat owners: Whether sailing or using motorboats on inland waters or along the coast.

• Inland-waterway navigators: Particularly those using the dense network of Dutch canals and rivers.

• Beginners and experienced sailors: Their educational design allows for quick and easy reading, even for sailors who are still learning.

• Nautical professionals: Navigation schools and boat-rental companies appreciate their reliability and practical onboard format.

Reading and understanding the chart

The success of ANWB charts is based on excellent readability and a clear hierarchy of information designed for practical use.

• Available formats: They are available as folded charts or in folio format, depending on the navigator's requirements.

• Bathymetry and seabed features: Depths are clearly indicated in metres.

• Essential information: Mariners will find marked channels, aids to navigation—including buoys, lights and beacons—ports and marinas, as well as the opening times and clearances of bridges, locks and other waterway structures.

• Symbology: The symbols are deliberately simplified to facilitate rapid interpretation while underway.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea and on inland waterways depends directly on the reliability of the navigation resources being used.

• Up-to-date editions: At Nautic Way, ANWB charts are printed to order to ensure that leisure sailors receive an up-to-date document.

• Chart status: Although they do not always replace official hydrographic charts for certain professional navigation requirements, they provide an ideal complement and a reliable choice for recreational boating.

• Geographical limitations: These charts are specifically focused on Dutch waters and should be supplemented with appropriate charting for international voyages.

Nautic Way's expertise for mariners

Choosing Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop means relying on a recognised charting specialist with more than 25,000 references.

• Specialist supplier: Nautic Way selects products recognised for their quality and suitability for the actual needs of mariners.

• Expert advice: Our team assists skippers and leisure sailors in choosing the appropriate format—folio or folded—and scale for their cruising plans.

• Local presence: Based in Challans (85300), France, at 9 rue Benjamin Rabier, Nautic Way puts its expertise at the service of safe and efficient navigation.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for navigation in this area?

The choice depends on your itinerary. Nautic Way offers comprehensive atlases covering Northern, Central and Southern Netherlands, as well as detailed charts for specific areas such as Amsterdam and the Dutch Delta.

Is this chart sufficient on its own?

For recreational boating, it is a comprehensive and essential navigation tool. However, for certain regulated or technically demanding voyages, the use of official hydrographic charts may also be required.

How often should an ANWB chart be replaced?

It is essential to use up-to-date charts to ensure safe navigation. Nautic Way supplies recently issued charts so that sailors benefit from the latest available information.

Can it be used with a GPS?

Yes. ANWB charts provide clear bathymetric information and precise buoyage, allowing sailors to visually cross-check electronic navigation data and navigate with greater confidence.

What is the difference between an ANWB chart and an official nautical chart?

ANWB charts focus on practical information for leisure sailors—such as bridges, ports and locks—and on ease of use, whereas official hydrographic charts comply with strictly professional standards.