From August 17th, the rescuers of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschapij (KNRM), the counterpart to the DGzRS, know that they will only drive out automatically and immediately after being alerted by Den Helder Rescue if there is a danger to life and limb. However, if ships or yachts are in an awkward but not dangerous situation, the skipper must provide help himself. Den Helder Rescue, the MRCC of the Netherlands, is then not responsible for the organization and handling.
The skipper then has to hire a salvor himself. It is chargeable. This can also be the KNRM, which then moves out after consultation at a suitable time and against an agreed mountain wage, or a freelance entrepreneur who tows the yacht, provides start-up assistance, brings fuel and also tows the damaged vessel into the port.
IMPORTANT: In the event of an emergency at sea, i.e. if there is or could only be danger to life and limb, the alarm in the Netherlands will be carried out as before via channels 10 or 16, the KNRM-HELPT-APP (red button), 112 or the Telephone number 0900-0111 (only possible from Dutch phones). The KNRM then moves out as usual
A distinction is made between saving and recovering. So if you get stuck on the Vrouwezand in calm weather and cannot get away without outside help, you have to provide help yourself. However, if the swell there is high and the ship threatens to sink, the KNRM is responsible again. Anyone who breaks down off Enkhuizen in light winds with a clogged diesel filter can sail into the harbor. However, if that happens in the Texel Current without wind and you threaten to drift into the ferry line to Texel, the situation is quite dangerous. The skipper should be able to make this assessment.
The measure was apparently necessary because the KNRM was repeatedly called in for comparatively succinct missions in the past. The volunteer crew members have to leave their place of work or their family in order to drive easily avoidable missions. Think of clogged fuel filters due to negligent maintenance or getting stuck on well-concreted shallows. This situation was no longer sustainable.
In such cases, the KNRM continues to help, but not necessarily immediately, but by arrangement, after the crew has finished working. Anyone who wants to commission the KNRM for a rescue can also do this via the KNRM-HELPT-APP (green button) or by calling 0031/592 390 451. This is the same as on the road: If you lie with a flat tire does not call the fire brigade, but the ADAC. Somehow logical.