RYA SPRING 2021


It’s likely you’ll have to report to a large ‘point of entry’ port rather than smaller harbours.


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details, so all you have to do for each trip is to report the date and time of leaving and your destination. If you’re arriving from outside the UK (including the Channel Islands) you must now fly the ‘Q’ flag where it can be easily seen as soon as you enter UK waters (the 12-mile limit). This symbolises that you are free from plague and disease and are complying with your flag state regulations, this yellow flag invites officials on board to inspect the boat. On arrival in the UK you must phone the 24-hour National Yachtline (0300 123 2012). Nobody and nothing should leave the boat until this has been done and you’ve been given clearance.


country you wish to visit. Taking your boat from one country to another for any additional days could require visas from each country you visit. ‘Disappointingly, and despite lobbying by a number of sympathetic parliamentarians on our behalf, the government does not appear minded to seek longer visa-free stays in the Schengen Area for British Citizens,’ says Stuart. ‘More importantly, it would appear the Schengen group of countries aren’t willing to make exceptions for the UK.’


Border controls: new systems on arrival and departure Now that we’re outside the EU, we’ll have to comply with whatever controls EU countries put in place. ‘People who are UK citizens are now third- country nationals and the rules are changing for us,’ says Stuart. ‘Previously, if you lived on the south coast and you wanted to visit a small port in France, you could sail in, tie up, pay your fee and head to the pub. Now, you might have to report your arrival at a designated point of entry first, before sailing on to your destination – then do the same on the return voyage.’ At the UK border, you will also have to check in and out of UK waters, irrespective of where you’re arriving from. The C1331 has always been a UK requirement for non-EU voyages but was frequently overlooked. It is now mandatory if you leave or enter the UK. There are plans for an electronic reporting system that will allow you to inform the UK Border Force in advance of travel to or from the UK in a pleasure craft on your computer or smartphone and pre-load all your


“on arrival in any port you’ll need to wait on your boat until


you’re released by customs officials”


RYA qualifications: may no longer be recognised in the EU A number of countries no longer accept UK sailing qualifications on vessels under their respective flags now that we have left the EU. Each member state is entitled to make their own decisions about what qualifications they will accept. ‘RYA professional qualifications are accepted by several non-UK national administrations for use on vessels flying their flags,’ says Stuart, ‘but this is a matter for each of those administrations individually and there is no obligation on them to do so.’


Northern Ireland: special measures apply Another unknown is what the new VAT customs regulations mean for travel between the UK and Northern Ireland without disrupting the Good Friday Agreement. It’s not currently possible to provide definitive advice on the status of boats that were in Northern Ireland at the end of the transition period. ‘The RYA has been pushing


for clarity and help for boaters for a long time,’ says Stuart. ‘The authorities don’t understand how recreational craft move around the world differently


Your return to UK waters could be slowed by increased customs checks and paperwork.


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