Varen doe je Samen!

What Varen doe je Samen! does

Varen doe je Samen! (VDJS) is a Dutch national water safety awareness campaign founded in 2007 and headquartered in Leusden, the Netherlands. It operates as a non-profit, publicly-funded collaborative initiative involving more than 20 institutional partners, including 8 Dutch provinces, Rijkswaterstaat, the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, KNRM (Royal Dutch Sea Rescue), Reddingsbrigade Nederland, the Royal Dutch Rowing Federation, and the Dutch Watersport Association. The campaign serves recreational boaters (motorboat, sailboat, sloep, e-foil, and rower segments), professional inland shipping operators (beroepsvaart), and high-speed boaters, addressing safety hazards such as inadequate life jacket usage, navigation rule violations, VHF radio misuse, motor breakdowns, blind-spot collisions with commercial vessels, and swimming dangers near bridges.

The platform is built around a public information hub at varendoejesamen.nl that delivers interactive digital resources, including the Staande Mast Route planner for vessels with mast heights above 6 meters, the Knooppuntenkaart (junction map) flagging busy and potentially unsafe navigation points, Snelvaargebied overview maps for speed-boating zones, and real-time waterway obstruction updates (stremmingen) referenced from vaarweginformatie.nl. Core physical products include the multilingual Vaarbewaarkaart (available in Dutch, Frisian, German, and English) and the Marifoonkaart, a laminated foldable VHF radio memory aid. Distribution combines digital downloads, partner networks (including physical placement at CBR exam centers upon passing the Klein Vaarbewijs I theory exam), the annual VDJS On Tour event program, and presence at major Dutch boat shows such as Hiswa te Water, SAIL Amsterdam, and Sneek in-water.

VDJS generates no commercial revenue: all materials are provided free of charge, and the organization is funded through contributions from its public and institutional partners. Reach is measured by 10,000+ monthly newsletter subscribers, multilingual content distribution, social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and an ambassador program that delivers presentations to boating clubs and groups across the Netherlands.

Name

Varen doe je Samen!

Legal name

Varen doe je Samen!

Website

https://www.varendoejesamen.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Varen doe je Samen! is a Dutch non-profit water safety awareness campaign founded in 2007 that provides free multilingual navigational resources, route planners, and printed safety guides to recreational boaters, rowers, and professional inland shipping operators across the Netherlands, funded by 20+ institutional partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Waterway Safety Awareness and Boating Education

NAICS

Navigational Services to Shipping (48833), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Nautical Safety, Navigation Aids & Hydrographic Services (TLAHAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Search & Rescue (Urban/Water/Wilderness) Coordination (HLAJAGAJ)

Keywords

• Water safety information
• Recreational boating safety
• Waterway navigation education
• Boating route planning
• Maritime safety awareness

Headquarters

HQ city

Leusden

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Varen doe je Samen! is a Dutch national water safety awareness campaign that provides free informational resources, interactive route maps, and educational materials for safe navigation on Dutch waterways. The campaign distributes downloadable brochures (Vaarbewaarkaart, Marifoonkaart), digital navigation tools (Staande Mast Route, Knooppuntenkaart, Snelvaargebied maps), and conducts nationwide outreach events for recreational boaters, professional shipping, and rowers.

Product overview

Varen doe je Samen! is a Dutch water safety awareness campaign that provides informational resources and navigational tools for recreational and professional waterway users. The core offerings consist of educational materials including the Vaarbewaarkaart (available in Dutch, Frisian, German, and English) and Marifoonkaart for VHF radio guidance, supported by digital navigation resources such as the Staande Mast Route guide for tall-masted vessels, Knooppuntenkaart for junction safety, and Snelvaargebied maps for speed-boating areas. The campaign distributes downloadable brochures and participates in events through its 'On Tour' program, serving both recreational boaters and professional shipping operators across Dutch waterways.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Vaarbewaarkaart (Safe Boating Tips Pocket Guide) A laminated pocket guide providing an overview of basic navigation rules, tips, and signals for boating on Dutch waterways. Available in Dutch, Frisian, German, and English.
• Marifoonkaart (VHF Radio Card) A laminated foldable card serving as a memory aid for proper VHF radio (marifoon) usage on board recreational vessels.
• Staande Mast Route A safe and efficient continuous inland waterway route for sail- and motorboats with a mast or superstructure height exceeding 6 meters, running from Zeeland through the IJsselmeer area to Friesland and Groningen.
• Knooppuntenkaart (Junction Map) A digital map showing the most important navigation junctions per region, describing busy locations where potentially unsafe traffic situations may occur on Dutch waterways.
• Snelvaargebied Maps (Speed Zone Maps) Overview maps of designated speed-boating areas in the Netherlands where vessels may exceed 20 km/h, including regulation guidance around landmarks such as the Erasmusbrug Rotterdam.
• Vaarroutes and Safety Brochures Various downloadable brochures and informational materials covering sailing rules, boat maintenance, fire safety on board, rowing safety, e-foil safety, and foreign water navigation requirements.
• Varen doe je Samen! On Tour A traveling presentation program where the campaign visits locations throughout the Netherlands to promote water safety awareness and distribute free educational materials at docks, harbors, and regional events.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBR administers boating license exams (Klein Vaarbewijs I and II, Groot Pleziervaartbewijs II, Basic Certificate Marine Radio) and issues licenses. As a partner, CBR provides the Vaarbewaarkaart to candidates who pass the Klein Vaarbewijs I theory exam, serving as a key distribution channel for VDJS safety materials.
• RijkswaterstaatcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe national waterway authority manages major Dutch waterways and infrastructure. As a partner, Rijkswaterstaat contributes to waterway safety content, shares information on obstructions and maintenance schedules, and participates in VDJS awareness campaigns.
• KNRM (Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Royal Dutch Sea Rescue Company operates 45 rescue stations with 1,500 volunteers and 75 rescue boats, funded by 136,500 donors. KNRM has been providing 24/7 rescue services for 200 years. The partnership focuses on prevention awareness, with joint communication campaigns to reduce water accidents.
• Havenbedrijf Rotterdam (Port of Rotterdam)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPort of Rotterdam manages one of the world's largest ports with both commercial and recreational traffic. The partnership includes Nautical Risk Assessment sessions, identification of risk areas (Oude Maas/Nieuwe Waterweg crossings), open days, and practical safety days for both commercial and recreational navigation in the Rotterdam harbor.
• Havenbedrijf Amsterdam (Port of Amsterdam)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPort of Amsterdam (Division Harbour Master) pursues smooth, safe, and sustainable use of nautical space. As a partner, it provides education to waterway users on safety awareness and safe navigation behavior, and conducts oversight as a nautical authority.
• Provincie FrieslandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFriesland is a premier boating province with its lake district and important commercial waterway connections (Prinses Margrietkanaal, Van Harinxmakanaal). The province completed the Friesian Lakes Project to improve lock, bridge, and aqueduct infrastructure. It provides a free watersports app and multilingual brochure on safe navigation.
• Provincie Zuid-HollandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZuid-Holland manages approximately 150 km of waterways used by commercial ships, pleasure boaters, and rowers. The province published the brochure 'Veilig varen doe je zo!' and works with VDJS to improve knowledge of navigation rules and mutual understanding among all waterway users.
• Watersportverbond (Dutch Watersport Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Dutch Watersport Association represents recreational boating interests and is a key partner in disseminating VDJS safety messages to its member clubs and organizations across the Netherlands.
• Koninklijke Binnenvaart NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Royal Dutch Inland Navigation Association represents professional inland shipping operators and collaborates with VDJS on shared waterway safety awareness, particularly regarding blind spot dangers from commercial vessels.
• Reddingsbrigade Nederland (Dutch Lifeguard Corps)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational water rescue organization providing rescue services and water safety education. Partners with VDJS on prevention campaigns and safety awareness for water recreants.
• Dienst der Hydrografie (Hydrographic Service)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides nautical charts and hydrographic information. Updates and publishes sea charts (such as chart 207 and 1800-series charts for the Wadden Sea and Oosterschelde) that VDJS references for safe navigation.
• Politie (Dutch Police)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Dutch police contribute to waterway safety by providing information on navigation regulations, enforcement, and safety incidents on Dutch waterways.
• Waterschappen (Dutch Water Boards)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional water management authorities that manage local waterways and contribute to water safety education and navigation information in their regions.
• HISWA (HISWA-RECRON)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrade association for recreational boating and water sports businesses. Participates in VDJS campaigns and distributes safety information through its member network and at events like Hiswa te Water.
• Netwerk Waterrecreatie (Water Recreation Network)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork organization coordinating water recreation stakeholders in the Netherlands. Serves as a platform for sharing VDJS safety information across its member organizations.
• KNMC (Royal Dutch Motor Cruiser Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational association for motor cruiser enthusiasts that distributes VDJS safety materials to its members and promotes safe navigation practices.
• Sportvisunie (Dutch Sport Fishing Union)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational sport fishing organization that shares water safety information with its members who engage in angling activities on Dutch waterways.
• Provincie DrentheminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvince in the northern Netherlands with waterways and lakes. Partners with VDJS to promote water safety awareness among local waterway users.
• Provincie FlevolandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvince of Flevoland, largely created from reclaimed land, with extensive waterways including the routes to the IJsselmeer. Partner in VDJS regional safety awareness efforts.
• Provincie GroningenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvince in the far north of the Netherlands, home to the terminus of the Staande Mast Route at Delfzijl. Partner in VDJS safety campaigns for northern Dutch waterways.
• Provincie Noord-HollandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvince including Amsterdam, the North Sea Canal, and part of the Staande Mast Route. Partners with VDJS on safety information for busy waterways in the Amsterdam metropolitan area.
• Provincie OverijsselminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvince managing over 155 km of provincial water, including 137 km of navigable waterways. Features the National Park Weerriben-Wieden. Partners with VDJS for water safety in the region.
• Provincie UtrechtminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvince of Utrecht managing the Eem and Oude Rijn-West waterways in the Green Heart area. Partners with VDJS to support the message that safety awareness among waterway users requires ongoing attention, especially given the increase in diverse recreational vessels.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• KNRM (Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij): The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution operates 45 rescue stations with 1,500 volunteers. KNRM is a core partner of VDJS and shares the Dutch waterway safety mission, combining rescue response with prevention awareness campaigns.
• Reddingsbrigade Nederland: The national water rescue and lifeguard organization that is a VDJS core partner. Provides rescue services, water safety education, and prevention campaigns aimed at Dutch water recreants, with overlapping safety awareness mission.
• Watersportverbond: The Dutch Watersport Association represents recreational boating clubs and members. A strategic VDJS partner that disseminates safety messages to its member organizations, sharing the same end-audience and safety-information role.
• HISWA-RECRON: The Dutch trade association for recreational boating and water-sports businesses. Co-organizes events like Hiswa te Water with VDJS and distributes safety information through its member network to recreational boaters.

Broad incumbents

• Royal Yachting Association (RYA): The UK national body for recreational boating that combines membership, training, and safety campaigns. Comparable to VDJS in delivering safety awareness, navigation rules, and waterway guidance, but in a different national market with a much broader scope including certification.
• Safe Boating Council (US): A US national non-profit dedicated to recreational boating safety awareness. Operates the 'Safe Boating Campaign' and produces multilingual safety resources - the closest international functional analogue to VDJS's awareness mission.
• ANWB (Water): The Dutch automobile association operates water-recreation services including safety information, route planning, and assistance. Has overlapping audience and waterway navigation content, with a much larger organization spanning broader consumer services.
• US Coast Guard Auxiliary: The volunteer civilian arm of the US Coast Guard conducts boating safety education, vessel examinations, and public awareness campaigns. Comparable to VDJS in its mission of public-facing recreational boating safety, though operating under federal authority.

Regional players

• Koninklijke Belgische Zeilbond (WBS-VVW): The Royal Belgian Sailing Federation provides safety guidance, training, and publications to Belgian recreational boaters on inland and coastal waters - a comparable cross-border water-safety federation that does not directly compete with VDJS geographically.

Others

• Sportvisserij Nederland: The Dutch Sport Fishing Union is a VDJS partner that distributes water safety information to anglers. Shares Dutch inland waterway audience and safety awareness theme, but its primary mission is recreational fishing rather than boating safety per se.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/varendoejesamen
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@varendoejesamen/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/varendoejesamen
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/varen-doe-je-samen
• Instagraminstagram.com/varendoejesamen

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Varen doe je Samen!