Shore leave in the port of Amsterdam
Shore leave for seafarers
If you are a seafarer, you are entitled to shore leave. In the port of Amsterdam, we work together with companies and partners to make shore leave safe, accessible and practical. On this page, you can find more information about your rights, how to apply for shore leave, transport from ship to shore, and other practical details.
Right to shore leave
In the port of Amsterdam, the following rules have been agreed with the port community.
Apply for shore leave
Shore leave is requested via the captain or the Ship Security Officer (SSO). The SSO then coordinates with the Port Facility Security Officer of the terminal or public facility where the vessel is berthed. The crew familiarises itself with the applicable procedures at the relevant location.
Access to shore and transport to and from the vessel are arranged in accordance with the terminal’s regulations. If transport is required, this can be requested via the agent. This may include, for example, water transport with the Boatmen (Koperen Ploeg) or a minibus to the seafarers’ centre.
Upon departure and return, registration and checks always take place. The identity of crew members is verified and recorded to ensure that the correct persons leave the vessel and return on board. Responsibility for this lies with the captain and the SSO.
Seamen's Centre Amsterdam
Make use of the facilities at the Seafarers’ Centre in the Port of Amsterdam. In addition to its welcoming, homely atmosphere, you can enjoy free internet access, play a wide range of games, and make use of a complimentary pick-up and drop-off service.r.
Pickup points Seamen's Centre
Shore leave pilot
As of April 2026, a pilot programme will be initiated in collaboration with the Koperen Ploeg. Under this programme, crew members will be entitled to one complimentary return transfer to shore per vessel call with the Koperen Ploeg. This service will be available exclusively at designated locations, specifically public mooring posts and buoys where no fixed shore connection is present.
The objectives of this pilot are:
- To monitor how many vessels and crew members make use of the pilot.
- To assess the extent to which free transport improves the situaion for seafarers.
- To determine wheter structural implementation is feasible and what it cost.
Practical information
Contact points
| Organization | What? | Contact |
| Seamen's Centre Amsterdam | Well-being and initial support for questions and concerns | Whatsapp: +31 6 53181141 Telephone: +31 20 6117912 E-mail: centre@seamensclub-amsterdam.nl Opening hours: daily from16:00 - 23:00 h |
| Harbor Pastor Amsterdam | Mental and psychosocial support | Leon Rasser Telephone: +31 6 22090334 E-mail: leon.rasser@gmail.com |
| ITF - International Transport Workers Federation | International union, labour rights | E-mail: seafsupport@itf.org.uk Website: www.itfseafarers.org Telephone: +44 20 74032733 Aswin Noordermeer (ITF inspector) E-mail: noordermeer_aswin@itf.org.uk Telephone: +31 6 53337522 |
| Nautilus International | International union, labour rights | E-mail: infonl@nautilusint.org Telephone: +31 10 4771188 |
| Port Authority - Port of Amsterdam | Port related questions | E-mail: meldpunthaven@portofamsterdam.com Telephone: +31 20 5234600 (option 2 is 24/7 manned) |
| Port doctor Amsterdam | Medical care, Medical Centre for Seamen | Website: www.krommewaal.nl Telephone: +31 20 6252707 |
| Deutsche Seamen's Mission | International support and room rental | Website: www.seemannsheim.amsterdam.de Telephone: +31 20 6220842 Whatsapp: +31 653310693 E-mail: shipvisitor@seemannsheim.amsterdam |
| ISWAN/SeafarerHelp | International support | Website: www.iswan.org.uk Telephone: +44 3000124279 |
| KNVR - Koninklijke Nederlandse Vereniging van Rederijen | Shipping company related questions | E-mail: knvr@knvr.nl Telephone: +31 10 4140061 |