Seafarers
WELCOME
Welcome, Seafarers!
When your ship is in the Port of Rotterdam – Europoort or Maasvlakte – International Seafarers’ Center The Bridge is here for you.
Come ashore and enjoy a friendly and welcoming place where you can relax, meet other people, connect with family and friends, or simply enjoy some time away from the ship.
Our volunteers are happy to welcome you and help you make the most of your time ashore.
Come in, feel welcome, and make yourself at home.
The Bridge – A home away from home
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 14.00 – 21.00
- Saturday: 12.00 – 17.00
- Sunday: Closed.
Quick-access
All the information you might need
Visit Us
Find us at Stationsweg 33, 3233 CS, Oostvoorne between 14:00 and 21:00 on Mondays to Fridays, and 12:00 and 17:00 on Saturdays.
Free Pickup
Need a ride to The Bridge? We offer free of charge transportation from your vessel to ISC The Bridge in Oostvoorne and vice versa.
Port Chaplain
Would you like our Port Chaplain to visit you on board for someone to talk to, pray with, or ask for support?
House rules
The Bridge is a place where seafarers from all backgrounds can relax and feel at home. To keep it welcoming for everyone, we ask visitors to follow a few simple house rules.
Facilities
Free Pickup Service
Free
Wi-Fi
Supermarkets
Drug Store
Other Shops
Parcel Service
Restaurants
Forest
Free coffee/tea
Music instruments
Church
Prayer room
SIM Card
E-SIM Card
Celebrations
Day of the Seafarer
June 25th
Every year on June 25th, we celebrate the Day of the Seafarer – a moment to recognize and appreciate seafarers around the world for their dedication, hard work and vital contribution to our everyday lives.
At ISC The Bridge, we proudly put seafarers in the spotlight – both those visiting our home away from home and those who remain on board their vessels.
Today is their day.
Questions
FAQs
Transportation
I need to be back on board at a specific time. Can you arrange this?
Our free pick-up service works with scheduled time slots and usually gives you around three hours ashore.
If you need to be back on board by a specific time for your duty, please tell us when requesting your pick-up. Our host will check whether this can be fitted into the transport schedule.
We will always do our best to help, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee an exact return time. Traffic conditions and other scheduled trips may affect the journey.
Can you take me to the beach, Brielle, Rotterdam, The Hague or Amsterdam?
Our free transport service is mainly intended to bring seafarers between their vessel and ISC The Bridge.
Would you like to visit another destination? Just ask our host. We will be happy to explain the possibilities and help you find the best way to get there.
How long does it take to get to nearby places?
Travel times depend on traffic and your destination. Oostvoorne beach and Brielle are nearby, while Rotterdam, The Hague, and Amsterdam require more travel time.
Ask our host for advice. We are happy to help you plan your trip.
How far is the nearest bus stop from ISC The Bridge?
There are bus connections in and around Oostvoorne. Our volunteers can show you where to catch the bus and help you find the right connection for your journey.
Can you arrange a taxi for us?
Yes. If you need a taxi, please ask our host. We will be happy to help you arrange one.
Facilities in Oostvoorne
What kind of shops can I find in Oostvoorne?
ISC The Bridge is located close to the centre of Oostvoorne. Although Oostvoorne is a small village, you will find most things you may need during your time ashore.
There are supermarkets, drugstores, bakeries, a butcher, an optician, a book and stationery shop, a bicycle rental shop, a thrift store, and several other local shops.
You can also find cafés and restaurants nearby.
Plus
Supermarket
DA
Drug Store
Kruidvat
Drug Store
Hugo Lens
Optician
Voskamp
Bakery
Bakker Klok
Bakery
Albert Heijn
Supermarket
HEMA
Department Store
Candy Wendy
Candy Shop
Wageveld
Butcher & Delicacy
Van der Velden
Bike Rental
Gastrovino
Cheese, Chocolates, Fruits & Vegetables
Bruna
Stationary & Book store
Dick Hagenstein
Flower Shop
Het Vervolg
Thrift Store
Gall & Gall
Liquore Store
Praxis
Hardware store (2 km from our center)
Which shops can I find in Oostvoorne?
Among the shops and services in the village are:
PLUS & Albert Heijn
Supermarkets
DA & Kruidvat
Drugstores and personal care
Voskamp & Bakker Klok
Bakeries
Wageveld
Butcher & delicatessen
HEMA
Department store
Bruna
Books, magazines & stationery
Hugo Lens
Optician
Van der Velden
Bicycle rental
Gastrovino
Cheese, chocolates, fruit & vegetables
Het Vervolg
Thrift store
Praxis
Hardware store, approximately 2 km from The Bridge
How far are the shops from ISC The Bridge?
Most shops in the centre of Oostvoorne are within easy walking distance of The Bridge.
Ask one of our volunteers if you need directions. We are always happy to help.
What are the opening hours of the shops?
Opening hours vary. Supermarkets generally stay open longer than other shops, while most smaller shops close earlier in the evening.
Opening hours may change, so please ask our host if you need up-to-date information.
Can I pay with US dollars in the Netherlands?
No. The official currency in the Netherlands is the euro (€). US dollars are generally not accepted in shops and restaurants.
Is there an ATM in Oostvoorne?
Yes. If you need to withdraw cash, ask our host and we will show you where to find the nearest ATM.
Can I pay by debit or credit card?
Debit cards are widely accepted in the Netherlands. Credit cards are also accepted at many places, but not everywhere.
It is therefore useful to have a debit card or some euros available.
Food & Restaurants
I need a doctor, dentist or prescribed medication. Can you help?
Yes. If you need medical or dental assistance, or need help obtaining prescribed medication, please speak to our host.
We will help you find the appropriate local service. For urgent medical situations, the appropriate emergency services should always be contacted.
Is there a hairdresser in Oostvoorne?
Yes. There are several hairdressers in Oostvoorne. Ask our host if you would like help finding one or making an appointment.
Health & Personal Care
What kind of restaurants are there in Oostvoorne?
Oostvoorne has a good selection of cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal, have a drink or simply relax.
Our volunteers will be happy to recommend a place depending on what you are looking for.
What are the opening hours of the restaurants?
Opening hours vary by restaurant and by day. Some restaurants may also have a weekly closing day.
Ask our host for the latest information or recommendations.
Enjoy Your Time Ashore
Are there things to see and do in Oostvoorne?
Absolutely. Oostvoorne is surrounded by nature, woodland, dunes and beaches and is a wonderful place to enjoy some fresh air away from the vessel.
You can take a walk, visit the beach, explore the village or simply relax at The Bridge.
If you would like to explore the area, just ask one of our volunteers for ideas.
Any other questions or requests?
Just ask us. We are here to help.
Whether you need information, transport advice or practical assistance during your time ashore, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
You can call us, send us a WhatsApp message, or use our contact form.
WhatsApp is our preferred way to communicate, as it allows us to respond quickly and easily.