Maritime Police Conduct Safety Inspections on Meuse River
Seventeen boats inspected; warnings issued for safety violations amid cross-border cooperation.
MAASEIK – The Maritime Police of Belgium executed a comprehensive inspection operation on the Meuse River in Maaseik on May 30, 2025. This initiative, involving the participation of Dutch police, focused on two prominent boating locations: Heerenlaak in Maaseik and Spaanjerd in Kinrooi.
These marinas serve as popular destinations for both local and international boaters, particularly during the summer months.
During the operation, officials examined a total of 17 boats, assessing compliance with safety regulations and the condition of various safety equipment, including life jackets and fire extinguishers.
The inspections aimed to ensure that all vessels adhered to established safety standards.
In addition to routine checks, the operation sought to address maritime crimes such as the tampering with engine numbers, which is a common method employed to obscure the theft of engines.
The authorities were also vigilant regarding the theft of outboard motors, prevalent in marina locations.
The Maritime Police collaborated with the Dutch National Police to facilitate thorough checks of boat engines and their serial numbers.
This cooperation is integral in addressing cross-border criminal activities, as stolen vessels and components often traverse national boundaries.
Local police zones CARMA and Maasland supported the operation, contributing to operational planning and on-site assistance.
The outcome of the inspections yielded eight warnings issued for various infractions.
Violations included expired fire extinguishers, improper display of registration numbers, missing radar reflectors, lack of legally required life jackets, and inadequately registered vessels.
Authorities emphasized the significance of these elements in ensuring the safety of individuals both aboard the vessels and using the waterways.
Niels Vanspauwen, a representative of the Maritime Police, articulated the importance of shared responsibility among boaters for maintaining safety on the water.
The inspections are designed not only to enforce regulations but also to encourage boaters to recognize their obligations, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Regular inspections are planned to further disseminate safety awareness among the boating community.
These marinas serve as popular destinations for both local and international boaters, particularly during the summer months.
During the operation, officials examined a total of 17 boats, assessing compliance with safety regulations and the condition of various safety equipment, including life jackets and fire extinguishers.
The inspections aimed to ensure that all vessels adhered to established safety standards.
In addition to routine checks, the operation sought to address maritime crimes such as the tampering with engine numbers, which is a common method employed to obscure the theft of engines.
The authorities were also vigilant regarding the theft of outboard motors, prevalent in marina locations.
The Maritime Police collaborated with the Dutch National Police to facilitate thorough checks of boat engines and their serial numbers.
This cooperation is integral in addressing cross-border criminal activities, as stolen vessels and components often traverse national boundaries.
Local police zones CARMA and Maasland supported the operation, contributing to operational planning and on-site assistance.
The outcome of the inspections yielded eight warnings issued for various infractions.
Violations included expired fire extinguishers, improper display of registration numbers, missing radar reflectors, lack of legally required life jackets, and inadequately registered vessels.
Authorities emphasized the significance of these elements in ensuring the safety of individuals both aboard the vessels and using the waterways.
Niels Vanspauwen, a representative of the Maritime Police, articulated the importance of shared responsibility among boaters for maintaining safety on the water.
The inspections are designed not only to enforce regulations but also to encourage boaters to recognize their obligations, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Regular inspections are planned to further disseminate safety awareness among the boating community.
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