BrendanS
Well-known member
That hoary old subject - Solas V and radar reflectors.
After a discussion on the subject on PBO a little while ago, that involved looking at Solas regs in detail, it seems there is a little anomaly in the MCA and RYA advice in leaflets and on their internet sites. I popped an email off to the MCA and they have confirmed. You only legally have to carry a radar reflector if your boat was built after Solas V came into effect.
Response from MCA:
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I am contacting you in reply to your email to our infoLine dated 19 June concerning radar reflectors, our leaflet and SOLAS Chapter V. I apologize for the delay in getting back to you but this query has only recently been passed to me.
You are correct in saying that the revised SOLAS Chapter V Regulations state that only new vessels should carry radar reflectors. At the time the MCA leaflet was produced it was felt that the advise that the agency should be giving out to the public should state that all pleasure vessels wherever possible should try to fit radar reflectors. This has not changed, so while there is no legal requirement for vessels built before 1 July 2002 to fit radar reflectors the advice from the MCA is that they should fit a reflector if at all possible.
I apologize for any confusion that the wording in the leaflet may have caused, and hope that this has answered your query. If you have any further questions on this point or any other queries on radio or navigation please do not hesitate to contact me
<hr width=100% size=1>Err, let me know if Depsol enters the forum, I'll go and hide
After a discussion on the subject on PBO a little while ago, that involved looking at Solas regs in detail, it seems there is a little anomaly in the MCA and RYA advice in leaflets and on their internet sites. I popped an email off to the MCA and they have confirmed. You only legally have to carry a radar reflector if your boat was built after Solas V came into effect.
Response from MCA:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am contacting you in reply to your email to our infoLine dated 19 June concerning radar reflectors, our leaflet and SOLAS Chapter V. I apologize for the delay in getting back to you but this query has only recently been passed to me.
You are correct in saying that the revised SOLAS Chapter V Regulations state that only new vessels should carry radar reflectors. At the time the MCA leaflet was produced it was felt that the advise that the agency should be giving out to the public should state that all pleasure vessels wherever possible should try to fit radar reflectors. This has not changed, so while there is no legal requirement for vessels built before 1 July 2002 to fit radar reflectors the advice from the MCA is that they should fit a reflector if at all possible.
I apologize for any confusion that the wording in the leaflet may have caused, and hope that this has answered your query. If you have any further questions on this point or any other queries on radio or navigation please do not hesitate to contact me
<hr width=100% size=1>Err, let me know if Depsol enters the forum, I'll go and hide