cross channel sailing

[charles_reed]

Re: SSR problem

The other problem, for which there is no defence, is the demand for a photograph of the owner on the boat papers (a requirement in France).
A couple of poor Brits were summarily fined in the Gironde in 2001 and the Douanes have almost total freedom in setting these fines for actual or alleged infractions.

I used to drink with the la Rochelle ones - apparently they get 15% of all collections put in a kitty for the local office for Christmas distribution.
(Flying a blue ensign has some practical benefits)

Oh by the way - the answer for the demand for the photograph is to point out the boat is the subject of a leasing agreement, owner's photograph then not necessary.

And for God's sake speak French, however badly, to them.

 

[qsiv]

Ouch - I have never, ever carried an original bill of sale with me, fearing it was too valuable to leave aboard. OTOH, peraps the Blue Book does serve as proof of ownershipm so perhaps I am OK?

 

[qsiv]

Nor me in general. Over twenty years I have been asked once in Vannes (Police de Frontieres), once in St Malo (P de F), once in Chausey (Douaniers) and once when at anchor off Treach ar Selous (Ile de Houat) (Douaniers). Interestingly this last is the well known prohibited anchorage, with perhaps 150 boats anchored. When I asked about this they said not to worry, nobody took any notice, certainly not the Dounes or Gendarmerie.

Once when sailing slowly around with a school of dolphins we buzzed first by a helo, and then by a Douanier, with crew at action stations (to the point of wearing anti flash gear and manning both guns).

Once they saw the dolphins they slowed down, and like us enjoyed the spectacle.

We have also been 'buzzed' last summer by a Mirage on the approaches to La Rochell last year. He flew so low I swear he came under the bridge to the Ile de Re. We assumed he was just bored and (unlike the RAF) had fuel to burn.

 

[Chris_Stannard]

The chances of getting asked for paperwork are fairly low, but if you are then, as others have said, not having the right paperwork can be a problem.

To cover everything you would need:

A valid passport for everyone on board. If you have proof of ownership, your passport photograph will cover the need for a photograph on documentation.

Proof of ownership, if you are on the Part 1 register the certificate is enough. If, as is more likely, your boat is on the SSR (Part 3) that does not count, so you would need proof, in the form of a bill of sail.

Proof that VAT has been paid. It is the responsibility of the country you are registered in to collect the VAT, but the French may ask to see that this is the case.

Certificate of where your boat is moored ( a receipt or contract for the mooring)

A copy of your insurance.

Your VHF licence for the boat.

Your qualification certificates (ICC and VHF radio)

The most recent diesel receipt tpo show that you have not purchased your red diesel in France.

It sounds a lot but I keep it all in one folder so that it is always with us.

Enjoy your trip to France it is well worth it

Chris Stannard

 

[petery]

Lets print our own mooring fee receipts !!

I have often considered printing a bunch of mooring fee receipts; dating them in 1990 and making some official looking stamps from a 'John Bull' printing set.

If you ever find a way of getting proof of VAT exemption on an old boat - without mooring receipts for that magic month - please let me know.

 

[Neal]

Re: Lets print our own mooring fee receipts !!

If you do this, make sure it's for midnight of 31st December 1992 - that's the crucial date.

Incidentally, I have a letter from the EU Directorate of Vat and other Turnover Taxes, which categorically states that is would be illegal for a Customs Officer in any EU country to ask for evidence of VAT payment on an EU owned boat that arrives from within the EU.

Yes, I know, arguing at the sharp end in a foreign language is unlikely to be pleasant, but the Directorate assure they will take severe action against any country that digresses.

For what it's worth, I've spent much of the last 3 years pottering in France, Italy and Greece, and never yet been asked for VAT documentation. Never met anyone else who has either, though lots of stories along the lines of 'I know of a boat that was impounded'.

 

[Guest]

Re: Lets print our own mooring fee receipts !!

french marinas are legally obliged to inform the douane of any foreign arrivals - we have been visited withing half an hour of tying up. on every visit, they have asked for ssr and passports, we have had to fill in a form, and then they have given us a receipt that we can show to the next douanier who calls on us. this has always been accepted, if not always with good grace.

it undoubtedly helps to welcome them on board, offer a coffee etc.

never been asked for vat docs, insurance or competence docs. never met anyone who has.

like any customs / police force, they will take you to the cleaners if you look shifty, behave oddly, are difficult, have offended one of their friends (fishermen, marina staff etc) or they are feeling that way out.

Have been told this is now starting to happen in the UK. Apparently, seems to be a turf war between customs and fuzz. Anyone experienced this?

 

[Neal]

Sadly, the yacht unit at Dover was disbanded some years ago - it was axed after having too much demand (I'm sure there's some logic to that somewhere).

You may find your local VAT helpline (look in your yellow pages) are prepared to write a letter stating your boat has satisfactory VAT documentation. The VAT Office in Plymouth wrote one for me covering a boat I bought in Greece last year (boat now in UK).