RYA - why?

[oldsalt]

I've been a member of the RYA for many years on the belief that it acts for yachtsmen and fights against government interference. Lately through sailing magazines, I have learnt that a passage plan is now mandatory and that consideration is being given to yachtsmen paying light dues.

Why did the RYA not react to these proposals ( or if they did, they are keeping them very quiet?). If a passage plan is now mandatory, where are written exampkes of acceptable plans?

Guess who will not be renewing his subscription.

 

[iangrant]

I joined last year (same price as paying them for sail number issue) Subs due now - Hmmmn. Anyway whats this about passage plans - I can hear it now - Oooh I feel a new thread.

 

[Guest]

I keep seeing posts regarding new regulations.

Has anyone got any idea of what they are, or where I could find a list of them with definitions?

Who imposes the rules, and who enforces them? When were they introduced, and what are the penalties for not complying?

I always thought issues such as these (i.e passage plan) were up to the skipper.

Looks like I'm wrong.

Jim

 

[halcyon]

See no mention on the RYA web site, sure it's not a wind-up???


Brian

 

[oldsalt]

Look at some of the new SOLAS regs

Compulsory radar reflector http://www.mcga.gov.uk/publications/SITE/safetyofnavigation/regulations/regulation19.htm#21

Passage planning
http://www.mcga.gov.uk/publications/SITE/safetyofnavigation/regulations/regulation34.htm

 

[Gunfleet]

Well most of what they tell you to do is what you'd do anyway (though possibly it would be a bit over the top for floating up and down the Wallet on a tide!) I can imagine some inspector chasing round all those fishermen in tiny boats asking to see their passage plans. 'But we're only going after ray in the Swire hole mate.'

Did you notice further down the page on the link you give .... a note about the compulsory carrying of 'a receiver for a global navigation satellite system or a terrestrial radionavigation system, or other means, suitable for use at all times throughout the intended voyage to establish and update the ship's position by automatic means;' In other words, a compulsory GPS. I can see all those bearded types with their gaffers and sextants getting rather excited about that one.

 

[halcyon]

But I'm a 27 foot yacht, not a merchant vessel as per this reg!!


Brian

 

[Gunfleet]

2.1 All ships irrespective of size shall have:
SNIP

2.1.6 a receiver for a global navigation satellite system or a terrestrial radionavigation system, or other means, suitable for use at all times throughout the intended voyage to establish and update the ship's position by automatic means;

Happy?

 

[bedouin]

Check further down - you will see that yachts are exempt from all these EXCEPT carrying the radar reflector (if practical)

 

[Gunfleet]

Phew. But I've got all the rest!;-)

 

[bedouin]

me too!

I make do with an octohedral reflector that I hoist when I think it's necessary (about once a season). Not sure that is really good enought!

 

[cleo]

Simple enuff. The International Maritime Organisation ( London ) periodically decides the Rules, and we enact enabling domestic legislation. That's the way. In this case, I believe, amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act....
But we're not Merchant Ships, I hear you cry. Sure, and all the specific exemptions that we've enjoyed 'Since Pontius Was A Pilot' are specified there. Tough, but no big deal.

Here's a subversive idea for you. When I teach the RYA stuff, I point out that use of a motoring cone is a legal obligation, as is an anchor ball. I also point out that it's daft to compromise your insurance protection by being 'illegal' in event of a collision claim. To make the point that it needn't cost any money, I make one of each out of rigid black plastic card there and then. You could do exactly the same for an octahedral-type so-called radar reflector.

Don't tell me it won't reflect enuff radar energy. Should you need to use it in anger, simply wet it with sea water. It'll then reflect about the same radar energy as an expensive aluminium one.

But at least you'll be 'street-legal'.

As for passage plans, they certainly always have been ( and still are ) 'up to the skipper', who carries responsibility if it all goes wrong. Trouble is, too many skippers have been shirking their responsibilities and not doing any passage planning at all. The critical thing about passage planning is not the tracks and distances, but spotting the hazards adjacent to the 'tracks 'n distances' and having half an idea of how to avoid them. It doesn't need to be complicated, just enough done to avoid getting closely acquainted with the crew of an S&R chopper, and a chapter in the MAIB Digest. After all, our beloved MCA civil servants are made responsible by their Charter for marine safety, and they do want to get their index-linked pensions.

Got a problem with that?

Cleo



bilbo

 

[coachone]

Hi,
the info you need was in the June edition of rya cruising news...see the rya website.Don't panic, nothing has changed significantly!