Did Van Heyden bring experience in confined waters?

Did Van Heyden have useful experience commanding flotillas in confined waters?

Yes, and Codrington also had substantial experience participating in comparable operations.

The Russian admiral's earlier service was directly relevant to a crowded anchorage battle. Van Heyden had commanded flotilla and squadron operations in confined waters rather than learning only through blue-water cruising. Codrington had also observed and participated in comparable operations even when he did not hold overall command. Their overlapping experience helped the two senior admirals understand the risks of moving a coalition fleet into Navarino Bay.