De Vlaamse Waterweg

Adjustment of launch date and mandatory use of the new App in 2026

Due to additional functional features and the need to integrate recent cybersecurity developments within the Flemish Government, the app is being expanded and the obligation will be postponed.

Originally, the period from 1 January to 1 April was intended as a transition phase before the app became mandatory. Because of this integration, we have chosen to postpone the launch until 3 April, so we can deliver an optimal and secure product.

Availability: from April 3rd
Mandatory use for operation requests: from July 1st

Handleiding

Wie toelichting en gedetailleerde informatie zoekt over het gebruik van de Flanders Boating app, kan een handleiding downloaden via onderstaande link. Deze handleiding werd het laatst bijgewerkt op 30 maart 2026.

Download handleiding (PDF)

Instructievideo's

De belangrijkste stappen in het gebruik van Flanders Boating zie je ook toegelicht in onderstaande video's:

Installatie van de app
Aanmelden / account aanmaken
GSM-nummer koppelen en machtigingen instellen
Vaartuigen beheren en delen
Brugbediening aanvragen

Stap 1: Installatie van de app

Hoe installeer je de app Flanders Boating op je smartphone, en waar kan je bijkomende ondersteuning terugvinden.

Stap 2: Aanmelden / account aanmaken

Bekijk hoe je jezelf aanmeldt in Flanders Boating met een VisuRIS account, of hoe je eenvoudig een nieuw account aanmaakt.

Stap 3: GSM-nummer koppelen en machtigingen instellen

Verbind je telefoonnummer met de Flanders Boating app, en bekijk welke machtigingen je kan activeren voor een optimale werking.

Stap 4: Vaartuigen beheren en delen

We demonstreren hoe je je vaartuigen beheert in Flanders Boating en hoe je ze kan delen met andere gebruikers.

Stap 5: Bediening aanvragen

We tonen hoe je via Flanders Boating een bediening van beweegbare bruggen en kunstwerken kan aanvragen.

Questions & answers about the new recreational boating app. (updated: april 7th 2026)

What does the new app do, and who is it for?
From 3 April 2026, the free app Flanders Boating will be available for skippers of pleasure craft and tourist passenger boats on the Flemish waterways. Other skippers without AIS or VHF radio obligations can also use the app.
The app offers the unique functionality of location sharing and submitting operation requests for locks and bridges.
Is use of the app mandatory, and when?
On all waterways managed by De Vlaamse Waterweg, it will be mandatory as from 1 July 2026 to submit an operation request via AIS and VHF radio, or via the free app Flanders Boating. Without a valid request, the operation may be refused.
Both request methods are treated equally: the sequence is handled according to the FIFO principle (First In - First Out). If you stay on a route without structures, you do not need to download or use the app.
What can I do with the app?
- Share your location and select your vessel.
- Track your position on a map.
- Submit operation requests for locks and mobile bridges.
- Receive feedback about your time slot and your position in the lock.
How do I install and use the app Flanders Boating?
From 3 April 2026, the app will be available in the App Store and Google Play, in four languages. Instruction videos and a manual will be available on this website.
The telephone helpdesk is available from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at +32 15 672 101.
From 1 July 2026, it is mandatory to use either AIS and VHF radio, or the app, when submitting an operation request.
What if I can’t find the app in the App Store or Google Play?
The app was developed for smartphones with Android 11 or later and iPhones with iOS 17.5 or later. Flanders Boating cannot be used on tablets or iPads.
If you install the app on an older operating system, the app may freeze.
What if I don't receive a confirmation text message to link my mobile phone number?
The text message with the confirmation code is sent from the public number 8128. Please check whether this number is in your blocked contacts list.
If you enter an incorrect mobile phone number, request a new code and do not use it, or enter an incorrect code more than five times in a row, you can request a new code after 24 hours.
How can I see my vessel in the app?
Log in with your VisuRIS account and you will see an overview of your vessels.
Don’t have an account yet? You can create one for free.
Are you renting or borrowing a boat? The owner can temporarily share the vessel with you. You will see how to do this in the instruction videos.
Do I have to share my location? Will my data be shared?
Location sharing is mandatory when using the app, but your data will not be shared with third parties.
What if I have no signal or lose my device?
Your position will be automatically updated once your signal returns.
If you lose your device, you can log in on another device using your VisuRIS account.
What if my operation request submitted via the app is not answered?
If you have been waiting more than 15 minutes for your request to be processed, we recommend contacting the structure (lock or operable bridge) via VHF and/or by telephone. You can find both the VHF channel and the telephone number in the app (select 'more info' on the structure's detail screen) and on VisuRIS/EuRIS.