Concerto
Well-Known Member
In all the 19 replies to this post, you have all missed another requirement, a Red Ensign as a courtesay flag to be flow on the starboard side of a mast or similar position.
Sailing from France to England - Compliance issues
- Thread starter risingsun
- Start date
CLB
Well-Known Member
Only if it's a French registered boat. We haven't been given this information as far as I can see.
Biggles Wader
Well-Known Member
Im sure the OP will be back shortly to explain all the issues raised(insert relevant smily which stopped working for me a while ago now)
risingsun
New Member
Thanks everyone for all your great replies!
Yes the boat is flying a French flag.
Does it have to be a passport I'm carrying, or can a UK driving license suffice?
In general how likely is it to be stopped by Border Force? Is it less likely on a small boat like that, or is it more likely flying a French flag entering English waters?
Yes the boat is flying a French flag.
Does it have to be a passport I'm carrying, or can a UK driving license suffice?
In general how likely is it to be stopped by Border Force? Is it less likely on a small boat like that, or is it more likely flying a French flag entering English waters?
dom
Well-Known Member
Definitely passports, UK is not in Schengen. You are not that likely to be stopped but a small fast mobo could easily attract their attention, be it French or British. Nothing to worry about though if you are stopped, but having the boat's papers in order will definitely help. Have fun
Tranona
Well-Known Member
Best to have a passport.
Chances of being stopped by Border Force are small in general. However if you are crossing at the eastern end be aware this is more heavily patrolled and monitored partly because of the intense commercial activity and the Traffic Separation Scheme and partly in recent times because of the increase in smuggling of illegal immigrants using small boats.
dunedin
Well-Known Member
As other posters have said, easy enough with EU registered boat and all EU passport holders (until March 2019), providing carrying paperwork.
But worth noting, depending on where doing the crossing, a stop en route at any of the Channel Islands technically changes a lot of this, as not technically EU. So in theory at least, if stopped in a Channel Island, need to register into the relevant Island, flying Q flag, and similarly at the UK/English end using Yachtline. How many boats bother with this at the English end is a moot point, but the OP asked about the rules.
But worth noting, depending on where doing the crossing, a stop en route at any of the Channel Islands technically changes a lot of this, as not technically EU. So in theory at least, if stopped in a Channel Island, need to register into the relevant Island, flying Q flag, and similarly at the UK/English end using Yachtline. How many boats bother with this at the English end is a moot point, but the OP asked about the rules.
risingsun
New Member
The boat doesn't belong to me, that's one thing I forgot to mention so does that make any difference?
Just so I know what to expect, exactly what happens if Border Force stop you and decide to board? Do they have any equipment for scanning and recording your passport or is it no more than a glance at your passport? Do they have the right to search anywhere on the vessel they want?
Just so I know what to expect, exactly what happens if Border Force stop you and decide to board? Do they have any equipment for scanning and recording your passport or is it no more than a glance at your passport? Do they have the right to search anywhere on the vessel they want?
dom
Well-Known Member
They have lots of rights, beefed-up recently in fact: https://www.parliament.uk/business/...nts/written-question/Lords/2018-05-21/HL8093/ Still, I really wouldn't worry, just get a signed letter from the owner, have a clear explanation as to the purpose of the trip, pick a nice day, and off you go
BTW what route are you planning as a matter of interest?Tranona
Well-Known Member
Sensible to have a letter of authorisation from the owner and from the insurance company and ensure you have the original registration document, licence for the radio and your certificate of competence to use the radio.
Border Force have wide powers of search and detention. There is no set pattern as to what they will want to see other than the basics to show you are who you say you are. pretty sure they will have the facility to check your passport is legitimate. Anything else will depend on whether they have suspicions. However a small boat like yours does not have much space to hide anything!
I would be far more concerned about the suitability of your boat to make the crossing safely than what might happen if you are stopped - assuming you have nothing to hide of course.
dom
Well-Known Member
Wow, twice in a row!
sailorman
Well-Known Member
I stand by post 5
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PaulRainbow
Well-Known Member
29ft, mostly 2x150hp, top speed 30 knots. Why on Earth would you be concerned about crossing the channel in that ? Here on the East coast people are going fishing in much smaller/inferior boats, 30-40 miles offshore.
johnalison
Well-Known Member
I stand by post 5
I can't imagine what made you think that.
sailorman
Well-Known Member
Just a wild guess
risingsun
New Member
I know many, many people who have made much more challenging journeys in boats such as this one. I will choose a calm day and I'm very confident there won't be any dangers. Worst case scenario - I have a spare motor, spare fuel and a radio just in case - I don't see what there is to fear.
Anyway back to my original issue, I'm just checking crossing jurisdictions by water is not like by air where you have to submit flight plans and have permission to enter their airspace, notify of where you will land, declare all passengers, etc. If my understanding of what everyone is saying is correct then checks of vessels entering other territories waters are carried out on an ad-hoc basis.
I'd just like to know from some people who have been boarded by Border Force before what typically to expect in case this does happen? I'll have my passport and won't be carrying anything I shouldn't be. Is the process similar to when you're crossing the border through the airport, for example they can order you to open up your bags and look through everything, question you on your journey, etc? When you show your passport is it nothing more than a cursory glance, or do they take it and check you in properly?
Anyway back to my original issue, I'm just checking crossing jurisdictions by water is not like by air where you have to submit flight plans and have permission to enter their airspace, notify of where you will land, declare all passengers, etc. If my understanding of what everyone is saying is correct then checks of vessels entering other territories waters are carried out on an ad-hoc basis.
I'd just like to know from some people who have been boarded by Border Force before what typically to expect in case this does happen? I'll have my passport and won't be carrying anything I shouldn't be. Is the process similar to when you're crossing the border through the airport, for example they can order you to open up your bags and look through everything, question you on your journey, etc? When you show your passport is it nothing more than a cursory glance, or do they take it and check you in properly?
macd
Well-Known Member
Although checks seem quite few, there are important differences between, say, flying EasyJet and travelling internationally by boat. You might care to speculate, for instance, on the number of people who might be smuggled in a suitcase compared to those you might fit on your boat. Do get real. They can look wherever they like and rip the boat to bits in the process, if they believe they have reason.
Tranona
Well-Known Member
That is exactly why I (and others) asked his intended route. Dashing across 25 miles from Calais to Dover is a different ballgame from Cherbourg to Plymouth for example.
There are no issues with the authorities that are any cause for worry - the OP has clearly not researched it thinking there might be formalities like there are for air travel. So not unreasonable to assume he has never done it before plus he gives no hint as to his experience.
PaulRainbow
Well-Known Member
I didn't respond to anything to do with his experience, just to the boat
The boat is perfectly capable of making a crossing of any distance, provided it doesn't run out of fuel and the weather is reasonable.
ashtead
Well-Known Member
What puzzles me here is that the OP has a belief in his ability to navigate a cross channel passage and yet apparently has concerns over border control which based on my experience is non existent onentering the Solent. If this is a French boat my main concern would be to see if it has any fenders on board as they are remarkabably scarce in Franch and to check the vessel has third party liability cover but ideally full insurance in place. He might also consider the benefits of Seastart as a mobo.
