Maritime rescue operations in the Netherlands are carried out by various organizations: the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM), the Coast Guard, the Lifeguard Service, and the Pilotage Service. They are all represented in our museum, where we highlight their work and the dedicated individuals who ensure safety on and around the water.
KNRM
The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) assists and rescues people in distress on the water. KNRM crews stand ready 24/7 to save lives under all weather conditions. The doctors of the Radio Medical Service provide medical advice to sailors worldwide in case of illness or accidents. On land, KNRM assists in challenging coastal and dune areas with their coastal rescue vehicles. KNRM also conducts safety education to ensure everyone can safely enjoy water activities. This is achieved through passionate volunteers supported by paid staff, operating professionally and free of charge.
KNRM's rescue boats and crews respond to alarms from 45 stations along the coast. The fleet of 75 rescue boats is manned by 1,400 volunteers. KNRM responds to over 2,000 emergencies annually, assisting or rescuing approximately 3,000 people.
Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is on standby 24/7 for rescue operations, crisis management, enforcement, and maritime security on the North Sea. These tasks are coordinated from the Coast Guard Center in Den Helder.
The Dutch Coast Guard is versatile and unique compared to its foreign counterparts, often dedicated to single tasks. It aids those in distress, protects nature and the environment through oversight, and conducts border controls on the North Sea. It also connects medical cases with the Radio Medical Service and coordinates medical evacuations if necessary. In collaboration with Defense, it clears explosives from World War II. All these duties are performed in partnership with other agencies.
Lifeguard Service
The Lifeguard Service Netherlands consists of 148 lifeguard stations with a total of 21,000 members. Among them are 2,750 lifeguards: well-trained volunteers active along the coast, inland waters, swimming pools, and at events throughout the Netherlands.
