UK Boater fined in Belgium over red diesel

CLB said:
As usual for these stories, it's a bit short on detail. Someone, rya or one of the mags, needs to get hold of the skipper who was fined, and get the full story from the horses mouth.
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......surely your not suggesting that some actually facts be established before conclusions drawn ? :)

as for swapping Suffolk, some unkind souls would suggest that Essex would be a preferable choice. !
 
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boatone said:
I'd let 'em 'ave Kent - be one less EA waterway for us to maintain 
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Yea, but,think of the "Hand bags at Dawn" arguments you are not having on the Thames about which particular fiefdom gets to spend any available spare dosh, simply cos we have snaffled the lot me hearties .... Innit !
 
UPDATE: 28/07/2017 - CA wins change of heart from Belgian government
The Belgian Ambassador to the UK has told the CA that Belgium will suspend fines for boats found to be carrying red diesel, until the issue has been discussed by the EU Committee on Excise Duty on September 18.
The CA had received reports that yachts visiting Belgium were:

  • tested for red diesel in tanks and fined €500 if any traces were found, even if receipts were provided
  • inspected for paperwork, including Schengen crew lists.
As a result, RATS (the Regulations and Technical Services Group) wrote to the Belgian Ambassador in London and Belgian Customs in Brussels to ask for an explanation for their change of conduct. Our contact in Nieuwpoort could give RATS no explanation of the sudden Customs action but now confirm that RATS advice, agreed with them three years ago, will now be honoured.
The CA now recommends that any members planning to visit Belgian ports carry receipts for all diesel purchased in the past two years, which should have tax paid on 100% of fuel. They should also carry a Schengen crew list, and if possible a print-out of the full text of the email from the Belgian Ambassador in the attachment below. Our advice, in the attachment below, will be revised if necessary after September 18.
 
As before they could easily again change their minds without warning and impose fines. Nothing about reinbursing those already fined also. Lesson should be don't trust them.
 
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