Cross Channel documents...

Iain C

Iain C

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Right then, just over a month until we finally point at France and the Channel Islands for the first time. Can I just check I have my paperwork etc in order...and I've not missed anything?

SSR numbers displayed on hull (it's a new number so the one below is different...is that a problem?)
SSR certificate
Ensign
Q flag (need to buy)
French courtesy flag (ditto)
In date flares (need to buy some and hide others!)
In date liferaft
ICC (just renewed)
VHF SRC
Insurance
Bill of Sale
Red diesel ok in tank and cans as long as I have some receipts
Passports
EHIC

Is that it? What do I actually do when I arrive in Cherbourg? (last time, in an Open 60, it was "go to the pub")

Thanks in advance
 
Ships Radio Licence
HMRC Form C1331-only needed for CI, not France
Travel Insurance? that covers sailing, not your average 'package holiday' cover.
VAT certificate (or does the fact that you list Bill of Sale mean that you don't have a VAT cert-like me)

My understanding is that you must not have red diesel in cans-only in main tank. Any receipts should be stamped Duty Paid by the vendor.

Before anyone else says it, the chances of being asked for any of it is remote, but in my view better to be prepared.

Ref you question re arrival in Cherbourg, do as you did in the Open 60. No need to report to anyone-assuming you arrive from UK. If you arrive from CI, I believe you should report, but will be very hard pressed to find an official who is remotely interested.

HTH
 
Thanks Skip.

Re VAT, no I don't have one...boat was bought from a family member for a nominal sum. Is that ok?

Ships radio license...I thought that went out years ago and it's the individual who must hold a VHF SRC. The radio is registered with OFCOM and I have an MMSI number...is that not all I need these days?

Could do with clarification on cherryade in cans...due to a piece of carp design I need to carry quite a bit to ensure I can always brim my main tank so I can motor sail on port tack!
 
Iain C said:
Ships radio license...I thought that went out years ago and it's the individual who must hold a VHF SRC. The radio is registered with OFCOM and I have an MMSI number...is that not all I need these days?
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Not that anyone's ever asked to see it, but the licence is supposed to be printed out and kept with the equipment:
https://services.ofcom.org.uk/faqs?faqcat=shipportradio

Same applies to handhelds which is why I pack a printout of the licence whenever talking a HH VHF in my luggage on a plane
 
Your list is very comprehensive, only your boat licence for VHF transmitter forgotten! But luckily, most items are not necessary visting France.

Channel islands are outside EU, (Guernsey one, and Jersey another). Leaving UK for either requires C1331, as noted. Going back to the EU then (theoretically!) requires Q flag and customs report. Reality is that from CI to France, the French don't bother. Entering UK from CI requires C1331 and phone in.

Entering Schengen there is (theoretically) border control - "please present passports or crew lists with passport details". In practice, France doesn't bother again, whereas Holland or Belgium often do.

Random inspections occasionally happen. In France, SSR may be inspected, and flare dates may be checked.

If you have non-EU crew aboard, things get a lot more complicated. Full nausia at http://jimbsail.info/going-foreign if you really want to bore yourself.
 
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Iain C said:
No, but if carried it needs to be in date...that was my point.
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There is no requirement for either flares or liferaft, nor for them to be in date if you do have them. You will not be inspected for these items. They are only required if you are registered in France.

Sensible to have them in date, though, if you have them.

The French are only interested (if at all) in the registration documents and your passports (possibly) and that you are not smuggling drugs - and can pay your marina bills. It will probably be a very pleasant young lady that sorts out the last bit!
 
Ok, will remind my one of my crew who is single to check condoms are in date but disregard flares and liferaft...;)
 
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Tranona said:
There is no requirement for either flares or liferaft
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True, if your boat is a leisure boat under 13.7m LOA
nor for them to be in date if you do have them. You will not be inspected for these items.
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There have been reports of flares being inspected in France, and fines being levied if out of date ones were found on board. I don't know how reliable those reports were - ie, whether they were second hand reports about French boats, or first hand by UK registered boats!
They are only required if you are registered in France.
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I hope . . .

Sensible to have them in date, though, if you have them.
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Agreed!
 
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jimbaerselman said:
True, if your boat is a leisure boat under 13.7m LOA There have been reports of flares being inspected in France, and fines being levied if out of date ones were found on board. I don't know how reliable those reports were - ie, whether they were second hand reports about French boats, or first hand by UK registered boats! I hope . . .


Agreed!
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The OPs boat is 27'.

The reports on the out of date flares bit was investigated by the RYA when it first came in 3/4 years ago and it was confirmed by the French authorities that it did not apply to visitors. Our friend Toad (of Toad Hall) proudly keeps a copy of the press release on the subject on his bedroom wall as a reminder!
 
Iain C said:
Ok, will remind my one of my crew who is single to check condoms are in date but disregard flares and liferaft...;)
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Make sure you have those alcohol testing things if you intend hiring a car. Got to keep Sarkozy's commission income up now he has lost his job.
 
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