This is an alphabetical list of notable 16thâÂÂ19th-century Dutch people associated with the Dutch Navy, the Dutch admiraltiesâÂÂthe Admiralty of Amsterdam, Admiralty of Friesland, Admiralty of West Friesland, Admiralty of the Maze, and the Admiralty of ZeelandâÂÂthe Dutch East India Company, and those in service of foreign navies.
During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power and dominated much of the world trade during a period of intense European commercial rivalry. As such, the Dutch Navy was involved in a number of conflicts against other European powers, of which the Anglo-Dutch Wars are perhaps the best-known example. These naval battles generated numerous naval heroes, especially as the presence of no less than five Dutch admiralties ensured that many flag officers took part.