Red diesel in Ostend

[Koeketiene]

Isn't Flemish a dialect of Dutch anyway?

Think UK English v US English.
It's supposed to be the same language, but it isn't

 

[Otter]

It was interesting to hear the Dutch view on the Flemish Belgian's hope of aligning themselves with the Netherlands. Not-very-positive

 

[sailorman]

It was interesting to hear the Dutch view on the Flemish Belgian's hope of aligning themselves with the Netherlands. Not-very-positive

The Dutch cant cook & the bier aint that good either ( one has been known to sample it ).

 

[davidwf]

And don't forget the Walloons which make third sector of Belgium! Not all French speakers are Waloons.

 

[Koeketiene]

It was interesting to hear the Dutch view on the Flemish Belgian's hope of aligning themselves with the Netherlands. Not-very-positive

Which fills this (part) Flemish Belgian's heart with joy.
My great-great-grandfather didn't die on the barricades in 1830 to align himself with the Dutch.

 

[PeterGibbs]

... your evidence?

I have searched and searched - I've found several articles also making that assertion.

Robert says otherwise

I've not found a single named person who says "I've been fined" or even an official report citing a specific case.

I've come to the conclusion that it's alll an over-reaction to a response from the Belgians asking them to clarify their official position (which is the same as everyone's official position).

Right - but not entirely. Now we're in September and, as you imply, no cases of reluctant UK matelots being dragged to a Belgian gendarmerie because they have red diesel in their tanks, despite showing UK proof of purchase. So far.

It would be fair to say the issue has resumed proper proportions - ie not worth pursuing / need to head off criticism / concern over loss of tourist trade etc etc.

But I suspect that's where it will remain as far as the Belgian authorities are concerned - technically an infringement, but not enforceable on UK registered boats behaving normally.

Conclusion - that's what you get with the EU. UK sailors - continue as normal, the chances of trouble are not absent but remote.

PWG

 

[sailorman]

Right - but not entirely. Now we're in September and, as you imply, no cases of reluctant UK matelots being dragged to a Belgian gendarmerie because they have red diesel in their tanks, despite showing UK proof of purchase. So far.

It would be fair to say the issue has resumed proper proportions - ie not worth pursuing / need to head off criticism / concern over loss of tourist trade etc etc.

But I suspect that's where it will remain as far as the Belgian authorities are concerned - technically an infringement, but not enforceable on UK registered boats behaving normally.

Conclusion - that's what you get with the EU. UK sailors - continue as normal, the chances of trouble are not absent but remote.

PWG

I believe you are correct in that statement.
the authorities can only enforce the law "If pushed" & not as a normal part of their duties

 

[Champagne Murphy]

Right - but not entirely. Now we're in September and, as you imply, no cases of reluctant UK matelots being dragged to a Belgian gendarmerie because they have red diesel in their tanks, despite showing UK proof of purchase. So far.

It would be fair to say the issue has resumed proper proportions - ie not worth pursuing / need to head off criticism / concern over loss of tourist trade etc etc.

But I suspect that's where it will remain as far as the Belgian authorities are concerned - technically an infringement, but not enforceable on UK registered boats behaving normally.

Conclusion - that's what you get with the EU. UK sailors - continue as normal, the chances of trouble are not absent but remote.


PWG

That was certainly our experience, plenty of Maritime Police around Ostend but no botheration. All in all a perfectly pleasant visit x2 this year.

 

[nortada]

Rather unsatisfactory - like the authorities having a cosh in their pocket which can be used when & if they feel like it!

Moral - don't antagonise the authorities.

A similar situation exists in Portugal - re imposing local regulations on foreign flagged vessels.