First sailing trip to the continent- basic info sought.

[fredrussell]

This year, I’m hoping to do a one or two week trip to Holland and/or Belgium (from Ipswich). I’m confident in my sailing abilities and have a good crew but I’m a bit confused about arrival regs post-brexit. If any of you could tell me what forms (if any) I need to submit before or on arrival I would appreciate it.

Does one need to state in advance port of arrival/entry?

Do all ports have an ‘office’ to take care of bureaucratic stuff on arrival?

Other than that I know I need to be SSR registered (mine has lapsed), and fly an ensign and courtesy flag in relevant countries. Charts (paper and electronic) are up to date, including those for Holland and Belgium.

Any other advice gratefully received.

 

[Koeketiene]

This is a good place to start: Regulations Sailing from the UK to Belgium September, October 2021

Recent and comprehensive info.

Might be a good idea to ask this question on the East Coast Forum.

 

[fredrussell]

This is a good place to start: Regulations Sailing from the UK to Belgium September, October 2021

Recent and comprehensive info.

Might be a good idea to ask this question on the East Coast Forum.

Thanks, very useful that. I’ve also been reading the RYA page on this subject, and I think I’m starting to get my head around it all. Need to buy a Q flag it would seem.

 

[[70521]]

Don't forget to make sure that you understand the current COVID regulations as these change frequently and suspect that the UK will be red listed by European nations given England looks like it is stopping all reporting. Make sure you know the correct procedure for checking back into the UK. I had friends fined for £500 each for not doing that correctly.

 

[fredrussell]

Thanks Sandy, will do. Funnily enough I’m finding the bureaucracy more intimidating than actually crossing the North Sea.

 

[[70521]]

Thanks Sandy, will do. Funnily enough I’m finding the bureaucracy more intimidating than actually crossing the North Sea.

I'm planning my first sailing trip to Brittany in a few years this summer. We went over on Brittany Ferries in 2021 and got caught by the UK government putting France into Amber Plus. The swab at the back of the nasal cavity was quite an experience!

Not one, but two visits from Serco Track and Trace in six hours on our first day back was entertaining as I hung out the window and said, 'I'm sorry we can't come to the door, we are in quarantine.'

 

[LadyInBed]

Depending on which way the wind is blowing, the Belgians sometimes don't like Red in your tank!

 

[fredrussell]

Depending on which way the wind is blowing, the Belgians sometimes don't like Red in your tank!

Yes, I meant to ask about that - still a thing then?

 

[Koeketiene]

Yes, I meant to ask about that - still a thing then?

AFAIK, not since the UK ceased to be an EU member.
The regs on what colour your diesel can be is an EU regulation.

There certainly aren't any recent reports of Brit boats being fined for having red diesel in their tanks.

I have been led to believe that as long as the diesel is in your main tank you're fine.
However, carrying red diesel in jerrycans is not allowed.

 

[fredrussell]

However, carrying red diesel in jerrycans is not allowed.

Ah, important point for me that, having a smallish fuel tank (50L). I’ll fill up a jerrycan or two with white. Cheers.

 

[lustyd]

AFAIK, not since the UK ceased to be an EU member.
The regs on what colour your diesel can be is an EU regulation.

Unfortunately not quite right. The EU rule says you're not allowed red diesel while in EU waters, the flag of the vessel isn't relevant. If you can show you bought it in good faith in the UK with receipts then they should let you off, but importantly they are under no obligation to do so.

 

[[70521]]

Unfortunately not quite right. The EU rule says you're not allowed red diesel while in EU waters, the flag of the vessel isn't relevant. If you can show you bought it in good faith in the UK with receipts then they should let you off, but importantly they are under no obligation to do so.

Can you point at the legislation that states third country nationals are bound by this?

 

[Fantasie 19]

Can you point at the legislation that states third country nationals are bound by this?

You can but you can't but you can... according to this... Red Diesel Use in the EU Campaign Archive | CA