first channel crossing

[maha]

Are the french really that bad at inspecting paper work!!!

After Reading some of the replys its starting to put me off!!!

I want to do my first crossing early next year but it sounds that i will need a boat full of documents and if i miss one a great big fine.....

Can anyone tell me what i need to take in the way of documents


thanks

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[philip_stevens]

As has been posted further down the list - see Ships papers ??

<hr width=100% size=1>regards,
Philip

 

[AndrewB]

Formally ...

... if it is your yacht and you are not going to enter inland waterways, all you require are the yacht's registration document (NOT a photocopy, and make sure it is in date) plus passports for the crew. I'm assuming you and the crew are EC residents and the yacht is registered in Britain.

It is always sensible to carry the insurance document and bill of sale. These can be copies.

You do not need any certificate of competence, unless entering the inland waterways. It is not necessary to seek clearance to enter. No special equipment need be carried, other than that required by SOLAS.

If you arrive at a marina direct from the UK there are unlikely to be any customs or immigration checks, but it can happen.

Full information on the regulations for France can be obtained from the RYA booklet "Foreign cruising: Altantic Coast of Euope & Baltic Sea" (C1/02) price around £6.

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[ruff_n_tumble]

I wouldn't like to suggest that you shouldn't carry all the documentation (and I do) but I've never been asked to show it in a French port (Channel ports only), nor had any official notice taken of me or boat whatsoever over the last two or three years.

<hr width=100% size=1>Steve Marsh
Hunter 27 OOD "Ruff-n-Tumble"
Gosport

 

[Col]

Been asked 3 times in last 18 months. It's not a prob if all in order. (If it "looks right" they tend not to wade through every thing.
Make sure all papers are well presented. I keep mine in an A4 plastic document box, there's nothing worse than having to scrabble around pulling bits of paper out of several different lockers / cupboards. Hand it over in a profesional format, and it seems to go a long way. They skim the 1st few items, then hand it back!


<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/colspics> Cols Picture Album</A>

 

[JamesS]

Last summer, French Customs spent two days having a field day in Cherbourg checking all visiting boats.

They wanted to see proof of ownwership (not copies), SSR documentation and of course passports.

Anything not right resulted in a 100 euro on the spot fine.

Don't let this put you off, just be prepared.

Cheers

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[robp]

<<Are the french really that bad at inspecting paper work!!!>>
No, they're really good at it!

Seriously, don't be put off going! The French like all required paperwork to be in order. For any mode of transport. (Observation not criticism). Just get your list and remember it like you would your passports. (Says he who's forgotten passports more than once)! It could be years that you'll go without a check.

You'll really enjoy it.

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[Rabbie]

Re: Formally ...

Does 'inland waterways' include rivers, and if so what extra documentation does one require?.
I am also on a first time crossing and I am interested in navigating the Seine River. I'm single-handed and would prefer not to drop my mast. Can anyone tell me how far I could get with a mast height of 28 ft ?.

<hr width=100% size=1>The line between balls and lunacy is very thin.

 

[Chris_Robb]

NO

I have only ever been asked fro papers twice in 20 years. Both times were in Lorient in 2002 and 2003.

No doubt that you must have your papers with you (and not photocopies) but don't be put off.

Chris

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[dulcibella]

Forms and officials

In 17 years I've had a request for ship's papers and passport in le Havre and detailed, prolonged interrogations in Guernsey and Falmouth (last with the cutter while returning from Ireland). France doesn't have a monopoly on bureaucracy and their officials tend to be less bumptious than their UK counterparts. Don't worry about it - have the papers on board, be polite and all will be well.

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[sailorman]

Re: Formally ...

Rouen is as far as u can go mast-up.
no certs. req. tidal rivers

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[sailorman]

Re: Forms and officials

your right just go for it.

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[LadyInBed]

Re: Formally ...

But only to the commercial basin - bit of a dump.
Unfortunately, to get to Vittards Pontoon you have to go under a bridge, but pay it a visit as the chandlers is quite good.


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[Rabbie]

Re: Formally ...

Thanx for tip.

<hr width=100% size=1>The line between balls and lunacy is very thin.

 

[AndrewB]

Re: Formally ...

There is a defined point on the major rivers where French inland waterway regs start to apply, usually at the first obstacle to sea-going navigation.

UK skippers should hold an ICC with (since 1999) the CEVNI test. A copy of the CEVNI rules must be carried. Many waterways require a boat licence --- this applies to the Seine above Rouen.

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[Delphini]

HI there,

I have sailed to most of the French Channel ports year after year and haven't ever had to produce anything. Maybe that helps you even up the equation.

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[AuntyRinum]

Me too.

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