Maaseik (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Maritime Police inspected 17 boats at Heerenlaak (Maaseik) and Spaanjerd (Kinrooi, with Dutch police help), issuing 8 warnings; Niels Vanspauwen emphasised shared boating safety responsibility.
As VRT News reported, the Maritime Police conducted a major inspection on the Meuse River in Maaseik, a municipality in the province of Limburg, Belgium, yesterday, May 30, 2025. The operation targeted 2 busy spots for boaters: the marinas at Heerenlaak in Maaseik and Spaanjerd in Kinrooi.
They mentioned that these marinas are busy destinations for both Belgian boaters and visitors from other countries, making them hubs for water activities, especially during the summer. Police officers checked boating licenses, the required safety equipment like life jackets and fire extinguishers, and the overall condition of the boats to ensure everything met safety standards.
How are Maritime police and the Dutch keeping boaters safe?
According to officials, along with the regular checks, the police operation gave special attention to stopping boat crimes, such as re-capping or restamping engine numbers, which is a trick used to hide the fact that engines were stolen. They also watched out for the theft of outboard motors, which is something that often happens in marina areas.
To deal with these problems, the Maritime Police got help from the Dutch National Police. The Dutch officers helped check boats and engine serial numbers across the border, because stolen items often get moved from one country to another. The local police zones CARMA and Maasland were also part of the team and helped with support and planning at the scene.
They mentioned that working together like this is very important to keep the boating world safe. It helps prevent crimes and makes sure that thousands of people who enjoy water sports at these busy marinas can keep coming back to a safe and protected place.
The Maritime Police recently conducted an inspection, meticulously examining a total of 17 boats. Each boat was thoroughly assessed to ensure it met all safety and legal standards. Following these detailed checks, the police issued 8 warning reports.
The warnings were issued for various violations, including expired fire extinguishers, incorrect display of registration numbers, missing radar reflectors, the absence of legally required life jackets, and improperly registered vessels. Officials mentioned that these elements are crucial because they directly impact the safety of those on board and other individuals using the waterways.
Niels Vanspauwen, from the Maritime Police, said the inspections are all about shared responsibility for safety on the water. The police want to remind boaters of their duties, not just enforce rules.
He mentioned that the goal is to help boaters be prepared and safe, lowering the chances of accidents. The Maritime Police will keep doing these checks often, in different places, to spread the safety message to many boaters.
