RYA Ripoff

[bendyone]

I need a replacement VHF licence, sent off the form and paid the fee.
No info on how long it will take unless I pay an extra £10 to fast track it.
Pointed out that as a member for 10 years they should be more helpful. - no luck /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Whats the point of paying each year?

 

[captainslarty]

Wot has that to do with the rya ?
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif - unless you mean the actual test result ?
Whilst I believe the rya may well be ripoff in some areas, this is a radio licencing issue surely ?

 

[bendyone]

Sorry its my operators certificate, as issued by the RYA, not the ships cert (ofcom)

 

[alant]

The RYA try to deal with things as quickly as possible in my experience & the usual turn around is pretty quick.

Its just an admin office, with a vast number of bits of paper coming in to process. Unfortunately they have to let people take holidays (strangely) during the usual vacation season & this might coincide with the peak sailing period (when kids are off school).

I have no connection, other than as a member, usually need my paperwork processed ASAP (needed for pro purposes) & have yet to pay £10 to fast-track. Yet have never been dissappointed with their service in this respect. Just lucky I guess.

 

[Richard10002]

Why do you need it so fast? and what makes you think it wont be turned around fast enough?

My stuff has always been pretty quick. Usually about a week, never more than 2 weeks, (except when my credit card had expired, but that was my fault not theirs)

 

[wotayottie]

[ QUOTE ]
I need a replacement VHF licence, sent off the form and paid the fee.
No info on how long it will take unless I pay an extra £10 to fast track it.
Pointed out that as a member for 10 years they should be more helpful. - no luck /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Whats the point of paying each year?

[/ QUOTE ]

I dont think thats unreasonable. Why should they jump through hoops to give preference to someone who has been unlucky (careless?) with their old license in preference to someone who is getting their first license?

Membership of the RYA isnt about the commercial services they operate - its about having a representative body dealing with govt on your behalf. The services are a way of financing that operation. You want the govt just to have the RSPB point of view (ie ban everything that hasnt got feathers) then dont support the RYA

 

[Thistle]

Agreed: I've always found them amazingly quick; fast-tracking just isn't necessary. What does help is just a little forethought / planning so that I get what I need by the time I need it. If I get myself into a position when I need something by yesterday, that's my fault and I don't expect anyone else to go out of their way to save my blushes ... though I greatly appreciate such efforts when they are made.

 

[Brian_B]

I've been wondering, what's the point of the RYA?
They don't seem to be getting far on the Red Diesel issue and did nothing to help the Drink-Sail legislation.

 

[Koeketiene]

[ QUOTE ]
I've been wondering, what's the point of the RYA?


[/ QUOTE ]

Good question - what is the point of the RYA?
Apart, of course, from administering the very lucrative training scheme.

 

[kds]

"what's the point of the RYA?"

We have been down this road before - look up previous threads. The fact that they do not always succeed, does not mean that our minority opinion should not be given an appropriate voice.
One aspect of what they do seldom gets aired - Have you noticed that UK not only gained lots of medals at last Olympics - but actually more than other sports combined ? No - not an accident - the sail training scheme set up 30 odd years ago and the race selection and training schemes set up 10 - 20 years ago are the reason. Other sports have in fact consulted them on how to go about it.
I consider the money I spend on the RYA to be well spent.
Sorry that you don't.
Ken

 

[AlJones]

Oi! Don't start on the training schemes!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Where d'ya get your ticket? Eh? Eh?

Well then I rest my Pussers Grip!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

How you doing anyway Will?

Here's that pint I keep promising /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Al.

 

[peterb26]

You have to speak as you find, and I find the RYA absolutely excellent.

I qualified as an instructor a few months ago and have been "feeling my way" along the freelance instructor route. I didnt know anything about the sailing school (cottage) industry so I had a lot to learn. (Still do have, as well!)

During this time I have made quite a few inquiries of the RYA about a number of instructional matters. Every one of them has been answered quickly, professionally and in a totally helpful manner.

So, like KDS above, I feel that I have had fantastic value for money for my thirty odd pounds membership.

 

[wearesailing2]

People should remember who pays thier wages, A bit of customer service goes a long way.