REQUIREMENTS FOR BOATING IN EUROPE
The European Inland Waterways of Europe are a logical sequel to boating within the UK. Not only are the waterways much larger, but they are better maintained (even in France) and boating once again becomes a pleasure. Unlike the UK, there are certain requirements, both for the boat but also for the helmsman which need to be taken into consideration.
Firstly, it is a good idea to decide the area(s) that you propose to cruise. This is important, as this, to some extent, will dictate the choice and size of boat that you should choose. If you are considering taking over a narrowboat, then think again, they are not suitable, especially when passing a barge like Patricia, which may well be doing upwards of 12 knots. There are also locks to consider and a narrowboat and a barge in a lock together do not make happy bedfellows.
The choice, realistically, is between a boat of between 3m. and 4m. beam. The length is dictated by where the cruising area is to be. France, Holland and Belgium are not a problem, but if Germany is to be considered, then the boat must be under 15m. in length as specialist qualifications are required for the helmsman to cruise the Rhein and Danube with a boat longer than this.
The European Inland Waterways of Europe are a logical sequel to boating within the UK. Not only are the waterways much larger, but they are better maintained (even in France) and boating once again becomes a pleasure. Unlike the UK, there are certain requirements, both for the boat but also for the helmsman which need to be taken into consideration.
Firstly, it is a good idea to decide the area(s) that you propose to cruise. This is important, as this, to some extent, will dictate the choice and size of boat that you should choose. If you are considering taking over a narrowboat, then think again, they are not suitable, especially when passing a barge like Patricia, which may well be doing upwards of 12 knots. There are also locks to consider and a narrowboat and a barge in a lock together do not make happy bedfellows.
The choice, realistically, is between a boat of between 3m. and 4m. beam. The length is dictated by where the cruising area is to be. France, Holland and Belgium are not a problem, but if Germany is to be considered, then the boat must be under 15m. in length as specialist qualifications are required for the helmsman to cruise the Rhein and Danube with a boat longer than this.
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1) Requirements for the helmsman in Europe are :-
An ICC (International Certificate of Competence). This is of two parts :-
1. An Inland Waterways Helmsmans Certificate.
2. The CEVNI (The Code European des Voies de Navigation Interieure)
The CEVNI Test is arranged through a RYA recognised training centre. The CEVNI Test
checks your knowledge of the rules and signs that skippers of pleasure craft are expected
to know and follow. The test is a multiple choice paper. Pictured below are two relevant RYA
publications available from the RYA. and good chandlers
An ICC (International Certificate of Competence). This is of two parts :-
1. An Inland Waterways Helmsmans Certificate.
2. The CEVNI (The Code European des Voies de Navigation Interieure)
The CEVNI Test is arranged through a RYA recognised training centre. The CEVNI Test
checks your knowledge of the rules and signs that skippers of pleasure craft are expected
to know and follow. The test is a multiple choice paper. Pictured below are two relevant RYA
publications available from the RYA. and good chandlers
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RYA International Certificate for Operation of Pleasure Craft
2) A Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Competence - Short Range Certificate, allowing the holder to operate VHF DSC and VHF-ONLY radio telephones in a ship. The course and test are arranged through a RYA recognised training centre. Pictured above is the relevant RYA publication.
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Marine Radio Operator Certificate of Competence - Short Range Certificate
The above documentation required to be kept with the Ship’s papers.
The Helmsman and any crew also require :-
1) A current passport
2) A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to cover Medical problems within Europe
3) Travel Insurance.
Documentation required for the ship - the Ship’s Papers
The Ship's Papers must all be original documents and are comprised of:
Registration Document.
The ship should be registered on the Small Ships Register. This, however is not proof of ownership. This should be done over the internet via the MCA (Marine and Coastguard Agency) website - http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga-home/mcga-our_services.htm . This is the direct link to the Small Ships Registration site - follow the instructions.
The Registration Number allotted must be put on the stern of the ship and The Certificate of British Registry, which is laminated, lodged in the Ship’s papers. Carrying additional evidence of ownership such as a bill of sale is also recommended.
If the owner of the vessel is not on board, in some countries the skipper will need a letter authorising use of the vessel to ensure the loan is not seen as illegal chartering.
The Helmsman and any crew also require :-
1) A current passport
2) A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to cover Medical problems within Europe
3) Travel Insurance.
Documentation required for the ship - the Ship’s Papers
The Ship's Papers must all be original documents and are comprised of:
Registration Document.
The ship should be registered on the Small Ships Register. This, however is not proof of ownership. This should be done over the internet via the MCA (Marine and Coastguard Agency) website - http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga-home/mcga-our_services.htm . This is the direct link to the Small Ships Registration site - follow the instructions.
The Registration Number allotted must be put on the stern of the ship and The Certificate of British Registry, which is laminated, lodged in the Ship’s papers. Carrying additional evidence of ownership such as a bill of sale is also recommended.
If the owner of the vessel is not on board, in some countries the skipper will need a letter authorising use of the vessel to ensure the loan is not seen as illegal chartering.
Small Ships Register Document
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Bill of Sale
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Proof of VAT status of the ship
HM Revenue and Customs notice 8 "Sailing your pleasure craft to and from the UK" in section 4.2 states:
"EU residents should only use a vessel in the Community if it is VAT paid or ‘deemed’ VAT paid. Documentary evidence supporting this should be carried at all times as you may be asked by customs officials to provide evidence of your vessel’s VAT status, either in the UK or in other Member States."
Although proof of the VAT status of the vessel is not actually part of a ship's papers, it is needed to prove that the ship is entitled to free movement throughout the EU. A customs officer is entitled to ask you to prove the VAT status of your ship and your ship could be detained if its VAT status is in doubt.
If the ship is VAT exempt, a vat receipt is still required showing 0% VAT paid.
Ships radio License
Under the International Radio Regulations a UK registered vessel must have a Ship Radio License if it has radio equipment (including a VHF or DSC radio, Radar, Active Radar Target Enhancer, EPIRB, PLB etc). The license is specific for the ship and it will detail the type of radio. It will provide you with a call sign and a MMSI number.
The licenses are available over the internet :- http://www.ofcom.org.uk/ - Ofcom Licensing - down to :- Radiocommunications Licenses - this will bring you to another page on the right hand side of which there is a column, at the top of which it has “Do it online” - Ship’s radio license. This will bring you to the appropriate page - if you have had a previous Ship’s radio license - then “Log In” - if not, register, then follow the steps. You can print the license and the details, all of which must be carried. The fixed radio that will be supplied with a new ship will be a DSC radio and will require an ATIS (Automatic transmitter identification system). To obtain this number a Notice of Variation of ship’s radio license for the purpose of installation and use of ATIS is required - also done online.
ATIS is required for ships making VHS transmissions whilst on the inland waterways of the Regional Arrangement Concerning the Radiotelephone Service on Inland Waterways (Rainwat) signatory countries. The signatory countries are :- Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; France; Germany; Hungary; Luxembourg; Moldova; Montenegro; The Netherlands; Poland; Romania; Serbia; the Slovak Republic and Switzerland.
It is important to note that under the the Notice to Variation of the Ship Radio License, ATIS should not be used within 14 nautical miles of the low waterline around the coast of the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands it must, therefore be turned off. If one talks to the the lock keepers in Holland many have no knowledge of these regulations.
The Regulations can be downloaded from :- http://www.rainwat.bipt.be/ - Arrangement - Arrangement Bucaresti, 18/04/2012 - then open the pdf file - Arrangement Bucuresti 18 April 2012 - E.pdf . This will need to be printed, as it is a requirement that it is carried in the paperwork.
AIS (Automatic Identification System). Use of AIS is mandatory for most commercial vessels. It allows boats with the technology to see other AIS equipped boats on their chartplotters and gather information on whether they pose a collision threat, determine a course for safe passage, or communicate with the vessel over VHF to discuss safe crossing and keep out of harm’s way.
Class A AIS is required on commercial vessels. These units are more powerful than the Class B units which were designed for pleasure craft. Class A unit - 12.5 watts, Class B unit - 2 watts,
Class B AIS is new. Designed for pleasure craft, this was started up in 2008. There are both transponder units and receive only units for class B. Eventually, most boats will have these devices and you will be able to see the names and types of boats around you on your chart plotter.
Ships are fitted with a transponder, which broadcasts a wide range of information via VHF frequencies (161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz). This info includes data about the ship itself, such as the MMSI number, its name, size, type, cargo, and draft. It also includes data about the ship’s movements, including speed, destination, ETA, and COG. This info is available to anyone who has an AIS receiver, and can also be tapped by accessing the Internet on websites like http://www.marinetraffic.com/
One of the unexpected benefits of AIS is that commercial vessels are much more likely to contact you by VHF if they know the name of your vessel. This is great in tight quarters with a larger vessel.
The Dutch Vaarwijzer Nieuwsbrief reports that AIS will be mandatory on all Dutch waterways sometime in 2015 for commercial shipping and pleasure craft longer than 20 meters.
AIS has been mandatory on the Austrian Danube since July, 2008 and it has been required on the Hungarian section of the Danube since January, 2012.
The situation on the Rhine is similar for pleasure craft that are over 20m. and is likely to become compulsory for all craft soon after that.
The Marine Radio Operator Certificate of Competence - Short Range Certificate - with VHF DSC covers the use of AIS.
Insurance
Insurance for ships is compulsory and many European countries will ask for evidence of insurance cover. Some countries specify minimum levels of cover and others may require a translation which your insurer should be able to provide, if not, use Google Translate. It is important to check the territorial limits of your cover before undertaking any trip, as you may need to extend the cruising limits.
Recreational Craft Directive
All recreational ships between 2.5 and 24 metres hull length built since 16th June 1998 must meet the essential requirements set out in the Recreational Craft Directive - 2003/44EC. The Declaration of Conformity should be within the papers.
HM Revenue and Customs notice 8 "Sailing your pleasure craft to and from the UK" in section 4.2 states:
"EU residents should only use a vessel in the Community if it is VAT paid or ‘deemed’ VAT paid. Documentary evidence supporting this should be carried at all times as you may be asked by customs officials to provide evidence of your vessel’s VAT status, either in the UK or in other Member States."
Although proof of the VAT status of the vessel is not actually part of a ship's papers, it is needed to prove that the ship is entitled to free movement throughout the EU. A customs officer is entitled to ask you to prove the VAT status of your ship and your ship could be detained if its VAT status is in doubt.
If the ship is VAT exempt, a vat receipt is still required showing 0% VAT paid.
Ships radio License
Under the International Radio Regulations a UK registered vessel must have a Ship Radio License if it has radio equipment (including a VHF or DSC radio, Radar, Active Radar Target Enhancer, EPIRB, PLB etc). The license is specific for the ship and it will detail the type of radio. It will provide you with a call sign and a MMSI number.
The licenses are available over the internet :- http://www.ofcom.org.uk/ - Ofcom Licensing - down to :- Radiocommunications Licenses - this will bring you to another page on the right hand side of which there is a column, at the top of which it has “Do it online” - Ship’s radio license. This will bring you to the appropriate page - if you have had a previous Ship’s radio license - then “Log In” - if not, register, then follow the steps. You can print the license and the details, all of which must be carried. The fixed radio that will be supplied with a new ship will be a DSC radio and will require an ATIS (Automatic transmitter identification system). To obtain this number a Notice of Variation of ship’s radio license for the purpose of installation and use of ATIS is required - also done online.
ATIS is required for ships making VHS transmissions whilst on the inland waterways of the Regional Arrangement Concerning the Radiotelephone Service on Inland Waterways (Rainwat) signatory countries. The signatory countries are :- Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; France; Germany; Hungary; Luxembourg; Moldova; Montenegro; The Netherlands; Poland; Romania; Serbia; the Slovak Republic and Switzerland.
It is important to note that under the the Notice to Variation of the Ship Radio License, ATIS should not be used within 14 nautical miles of the low waterline around the coast of the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands it must, therefore be turned off. If one talks to the the lock keepers in Holland many have no knowledge of these regulations.
The Regulations can be downloaded from :- http://www.rainwat.bipt.be/ - Arrangement - Arrangement Bucaresti, 18/04/2012 - then open the pdf file - Arrangement Bucuresti 18 April 2012 - E.pdf . This will need to be printed, as it is a requirement that it is carried in the paperwork.
AIS (Automatic Identification System). Use of AIS is mandatory for most commercial vessels. It allows boats with the technology to see other AIS equipped boats on their chartplotters and gather information on whether they pose a collision threat, determine a course for safe passage, or communicate with the vessel over VHF to discuss safe crossing and keep out of harm’s way.
Class A AIS is required on commercial vessels. These units are more powerful than the Class B units which were designed for pleasure craft. Class A unit - 12.5 watts, Class B unit - 2 watts,
Class B AIS is new. Designed for pleasure craft, this was started up in 2008. There are both transponder units and receive only units for class B. Eventually, most boats will have these devices and you will be able to see the names and types of boats around you on your chart plotter.
Ships are fitted with a transponder, which broadcasts a wide range of information via VHF frequencies (161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz). This info includes data about the ship itself, such as the MMSI number, its name, size, type, cargo, and draft. It also includes data about the ship’s movements, including speed, destination, ETA, and COG. This info is available to anyone who has an AIS receiver, and can also be tapped by accessing the Internet on websites like http://www.marinetraffic.com/
One of the unexpected benefits of AIS is that commercial vessels are much more likely to contact you by VHF if they know the name of your vessel. This is great in tight quarters with a larger vessel.
The Dutch Vaarwijzer Nieuwsbrief reports that AIS will be mandatory on all Dutch waterways sometime in 2015 for commercial shipping and pleasure craft longer than 20 meters.
AIS has been mandatory on the Austrian Danube since July, 2008 and it has been required on the Hungarian section of the Danube since January, 2012.
The situation on the Rhine is similar for pleasure craft that are over 20m. and is likely to become compulsory for all craft soon after that.
The Marine Radio Operator Certificate of Competence - Short Range Certificate - with VHF DSC covers the use of AIS.
Insurance
Insurance for ships is compulsory and many European countries will ask for evidence of insurance cover. Some countries specify minimum levels of cover and others may require a translation which your insurer should be able to provide, if not, use Google Translate. It is important to check the territorial limits of your cover before undertaking any trip, as you may need to extend the cruising limits.
Recreational Craft Directive
All recreational ships between 2.5 and 24 metres hull length built since 16th June 1998 must meet the essential requirements set out in the Recreational Craft Directive - 2003/44EC. The Declaration of Conformity should be within the papers.
Declaration of Conformity
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Type Examination Certificate
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Voyage Log
There is no legal requirement for a UK flagged pleasure craft to keep a log of its voyages, although it is good practice to do so as it is not unknown for foreign officials to request to see the log.
Local Requirements
France
You must carry onboard:
A copy of the CEVNI regulations (when visiting French inland waters)
Netherlands
You must carry onboard:
A copy of the current inland waterways rules (Binnenvaart Politie Reglement (BPR) which is published in volume 1 of the ANWB Wateralmanak (only available in Dutch). The book need not be current.
Although there is much to consider, do not let this put you off considering the European route to enjoy your boating. It broadens the boating horizons dramatically and it must be thoroughly recommended.
There is no legal requirement for a UK flagged pleasure craft to keep a log of its voyages, although it is good practice to do so as it is not unknown for foreign officials to request to see the log.
Local Requirements
France
You must carry onboard:
A copy of the CEVNI regulations (when visiting French inland waters)
Netherlands
You must carry onboard:
A copy of the current inland waterways rules (Binnenvaart Politie Reglement (BPR) which is published in volume 1 of the ANWB Wateralmanak (only available in Dutch). The book need not be current.
Although there is much to consider, do not let this put you off considering the European route to enjoy your boating. It broadens the boating horizons dramatically and it must be thoroughly recommended.
PLEASE NOTE
With Brexit fast approaching, European Boating Requirements are going to change and this must be read in conjunction with Brexit for Boaters. Please follow the link below.
With Brexit fast approaching, European Boating Requirements are going to change and this must be read in conjunction with Brexit for Boaters. Please follow the link below.