30boat
N/A
I was told yesterday by a friend who's in the Navy and works in the patrol boats that they have specific instructions to leave foreign flagged yachts well alone.Something to do with the EU.
Portugal and the Navy patrol boats
- Thread starter 30boat
- Start date
Sybarite
Well-known member
The right of "innocent passage"?
sailaboutvic
Well-known member
I some how don't thnk that applys if you spending time cruising there
maxi77
Active member
Division of labour, the GNR and Marine Police are quite happy to call on you.
30boat
N/A
Probably...Never bothered me though.
GrahamM376
New member
+1
25931
Well-known member
I don't know if you've been here but in thirty five years I've never had any trouble.
sailaboutvic
Well-known member
Yes we have for many years in the past , my ref was to 2#, can't really call it innocent passage , if your cruising the area .
rivonia
Active member
Why not?
Tranona
Well-known member
For the obvious reason if you look at the definition of "innocent passage". If you are cruising within the territorial waters of a coastal state you are no longer on innocent passage within the general accepted definition, and the state is able to impose its own regulations on boats. However, most states do not, although they may impose some control. For example Portugal requires all boats based in its waters (defined for non Portuguese) as based there for more than 180 days to comply with local equipment requirements. This is recent and it seems unclear how rigorously it will be applied. Other states such as Croatia and Turkey have regulations that require all skippers to show evidence of competence, although again it is not clear how this is being applied to private visiting boats.
25931
Well-known member
Can you please justify ?
macd
Active member
Which bit are you asking him to justify? If the bit about "innoccent passage", it's all there in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which the UK (and umpteen other countries) is a signatory. Google will be happy to find it for you.
phantomlady
Member
We have cruised extensively in Portugal over a good many years. Have never had any dealings with authority. Usually check in to a marina upon arrival in the country and then we are 'in the system' I believe. Have seen the Policia Maritime/Coastguard/Navy patrol boats on numerous occasions checking out the anchorage however have never been called on ourselves. Some Dutch friends of ours who are permanently based there were boarded and checked last summer and we also saw them board an Australian flagged yacht.
We actually know a person who was fined for having an out of date liferaft in the Algarve.
Incidentally, we have never in fifteen years of cruising, including many seasons in the caribbean, been asked to provide sight of an ICC or any other sailing qualification.
We actually know a person who was fined for having an out of date liferaft in the Algarve.
Incidentally, we have never in fifteen years of cruising, including many seasons in the caribbean, been asked to provide sight of an ICC or any other sailing qualification.
GrahamM376
New member
The RYA had protracted discussions with the IPTM in Lisbon and instructions were issued to the various regions that boats in their waters <6 months do not have to comply with Portuguese safety equipment requirements but those there >6 months do have to. Boats are being boarded and inspected mainly on moorings and on anchor, more so in the Algarve as it's a major drug importation area. I think we are the only boat so far not inspected in our moorings area, we just happened to be away or ashore each time they visited. The only time in 8 years we have been boarded was when alongside at Alcoutim, joint Portuguese and Spanish police doing routine documents inspection.
Tranona
Well-known member
Also well explained in the RYA guidance on taking your boat abroad - as is the bit about Portuguese regulations that Graham refers to. You will also find an explanation of the principle of "comity" on which "innocent passage" is based. Comity is also extended by most states in their attitude to boats that are registered elsewhere, but used in their territorial waters, although it is not universal as the Portuguese situation shows. Even more so in New Zealand which will insist on all pleasure boats (and users) used in their territorial waters complying with their regulations.
For most of us these things have little impact, although they can become serious issues as countries start paying more attention to Pleasure boats - the recent discussions around the implementation of a boat tax in Greece being a good example.
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25931
Well-known member
I am well aware of "innocent passage" what I would like to see is chapter & verse for " this is recent etc." or is it just hearsay ?
sailaboutvic
Well-known member
sailaboutvic
Well-known member
Please stop swearing or I have to report you
Tranona
Well-known member
Have already referred you to the RYA information on Portugal (if that is your concern) as has Graham. Read it as it explains the background - unsurprising as it was RYA intervention after a number of members had reported being questioned by the authorities about safety equipment. The Portuguese government clarified their policy. Was discussed and reported on here at great length at the time.
Tranona
Well-known member
Please stop swearing or I have to report you
I am on report daily for various minor transgessions like leaving the toilet seat up - so will add this one to the list!
