R Y A IN A C TION
RYA UPDATES News from around the association
Proposed restrictions on the use of red diesel could limit fuel options at some marinas.
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RYA calls for red diesel assurance
Fears for recreational boating as government reviews fuel use
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he RYA has responded to a government consultation on the use of red diesel, saying that to allow fishing boats but not yachts to use the tax-rebated fuel will have a detrimental effect on recreational boating. In our response, the RYA has said that
anything less than banning red diesel for all users, except the agricultural sector and non-commercial heating systems, would restrict fuel supplies to pleasure boats. It would no longer be economically viable for marine businesses to provide both white and red diesel, particularly in remote regions. The consultation sought views on which sectors should be entitled to use red diesel beyond April 2022. It also asked for views on proposals for a new relief scheme that would enable suppliers to deduct the duty on white diesel intended for non-propulsion and the flushing of fuel tanks. The RYA’s main case for the continued use of red diesel has always been about the potential lack of availability of white diesel at the waterside. The RYA response asks the government to ensure
that supplies of fuel for recreational use for propulsion and domestic use are maintained. It supports proposals that recreational boaters will not have to flush their tanks and supports a new relief scheme that allows craft users to accurately declare the amount of diesel they intend to use for non-propulsion. ‘The RYA’s preferred position has
always been that we consider that the use of duty-paid red diesel the simplest means of maintaining supply for all recreational boaters on the coast and on inland waterways,’ says RYA Director of External Affairs, Howard Pridding. ‘The RYA and our members support the government’s targets of increasing energy efficiency and reducing air pollution, but we also want to ensure that fuel is readily available at the waterside for recreational boaters. If it is not, then it’s likely that many users will have no option but to fill up cans to fuel their boats, which will greatly increase the chance of accidental spillages and cause unintended damage to the environment.’
Members warned of lifejacket postal problems
he RYA legal team is advising water-users to familiarise themselves
with Royal Mail’s postage guidelines after a brand new gas-inflation lifejacket was recently destroyed as a ‘prohibited item’. The jacket was one of two being returned to separate suppliers for a refund. Both had been accepted by the Royal Mail, but only one was delivered; the other was destroyed, as it was on a list of banned items drawn up by Royal Mail in April this year. The customer says he wasn’t
asked about the contents of the packages when he posted them and didn’t know they were prohibited. Royal Mail’s terms and conditions say it’s the customer’s responsibility to declare whether goods are prohibited or restricted. A list of banned items is on
the Royal Mail website. All forms of compressed gas are prohibited, including scuba tanks, lifejackets and gas cylinders for portable stoves. Empty gas canisters are also on the list. As people shop online more during the pandemic, the RYA legal team recommends that where members need to send lifejackets with gas canisters this is done by courier rather than via Royal Mail. However, check your courier will accept the item. RYA Magazine has
contacted the Royal Mail for comment.
Check Royal Mail’s list of prohibited and restricted items at https:/
/personal.
help.royalmail.com 41
Photo: Amphotora / Getty images / Crewsaver
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