RIB_imposter
Well-Known Member
toad - you might find the following interesting:
ttp://www.drascombe-association.org.uk/articles/frenchrules.html
I'm not saying it is definitive fact... or even accurate (ensure you read both parts).
But arguing about whether the technical interpretation of legislation that may or may not exist is rather incidental as:
(1) its recognised that the French have quite strict rules for their own flagged boats.
(2) it is generally accepted that the French authorities do board vessels from time to time to inspect paperwork etc.
(3) It will therefore be for you to demonstrate, quite possibly in a foreign language, that you are a British boat and that some or all of the French regs do not apply.
(4) Demonstrating that the boat is British, is very straightforward with the appropriate SSR paperwork.
(5) Having your boat impounded or being arrested whilst a translator is organised, a lawyer is obtained and the details of French law are debated is almost certainly a much bigger inconvenience than registering.
(6) When you return to British waters, the UK Borders Agency may take an interest in you/your boat and whilst definitely not essential in that circumstance the SSR paperwork can only make their examination that little bit smoother.
So back to the OP, given that 1-6 apply, and that the charter company agrees to you taking the boat to france it is surely only appropriate that the Charter Company facilitate a smooth process if you do get inspected even if as you suggest there is no formal legislation to this effect.
ttp://www.drascombe-association.org.uk/articles/frenchrules.html
I'm not saying it is definitive fact... or even accurate (ensure you read both parts).
But arguing about whether the technical interpretation of legislation that may or may not exist is rather incidental as:
(1) its recognised that the French have quite strict rules for their own flagged boats.
(2) it is generally accepted that the French authorities do board vessels from time to time to inspect paperwork etc.
(3) It will therefore be for you to demonstrate, quite possibly in a foreign language, that you are a British boat and that some or all of the French regs do not apply.
(4) Demonstrating that the boat is British, is very straightforward with the appropriate SSR paperwork.
(5) Having your boat impounded or being arrested whilst a translator is organised, a lawyer is obtained and the details of French law are debated is almost certainly a much bigger inconvenience than registering.
(6) When you return to British waters, the UK Borders Agency may take an interest in you/your boat and whilst definitely not essential in that circumstance the SSR paperwork can only make their examination that little bit smoother.
So back to the OP, given that 1-6 apply, and that the charter company agrees to you taking the boat to france it is surely only appropriate that the Charter Company facilitate a smooth process if you do get inspected even if as you suggest there is no formal legislation to this effect.