Question: Do i need a boat lisence for sail to france from uk?

(Posted by: on 2010-08-02 08:51:12)

Im looking to buy a boat (bayliner 300 bhp) but before i commit i wanted to know if i needed a special lisence to sail of to france, spain etc... if i did need to how do i go about it and also how much does this cost thanks

Posted by: Professor on 2010-08-02, 14:43:25

You need to register your boat in UK on the small ships register. You also need to have a VHF operators certificate if you have a radio - which you should have. If you go on inland waters in France you need a certificate of competence which you can get from the RYA - email them. Also carry an invoice for the boat to show that VAT has been paid at sometime. None of these things cost much.

Posted by: jacqueline m on 2010-08-02, 08:58:50

You do need a licence, I don't know what size of boat you are talking about but several years my ex husband and I looked at a boat, it was a small cabin cruiser with a downstairs bedroom and we though we could sail from glasgow to France but we could not with that size of boat or without a licence, we could only sail in local water,and it was costing £30 per week to berth it in a boat yard and that was 15 years ago. Don't know how much it would be but i suppose you might find details under maritime laws.

Posted by: inquisitor on 2010-08-02, 12:46:46

Just last week I saved a clip ref just this. It must be on the other computer. It refers to registering the boat (UK) on 'small vessels' register and you don't need anything although it would be a good Idea to do some sort of training and of course insurance.

Posted by: L A on 2010-08-02, 14:06:08

You will need to register your vessel in the UK to get an SSR number which you will then have to display on the side of your boat. In most Harbour you will need insurance but you should have this anyway but make sure your covered for france / europe. Also its wise to hold an ICC - International Certificate of Competence. RYA can issue you one of these providing you have RYA boating qualifications. Should you wish to go up a river then you will need a CEVNI endorsement to your ICC Also its wise to carry proof of owner ship for the boat with proof of vat paid and of course your passport. Its rare but if customs board you or ask you for anything in the harbour its best to be prepared cause they can cease your boat. If you have VHF radio also carry your radio licence and certificate. So to summerise its best to have:- 1, Passport 2, ICC 3, Insurance certificate 4, Proof of ownership 5, VHF radio licence 6, Uk registration document If you shop around you should be able to find an RYA training center to get your qualifications for around £1000 tops.

Posted by: olivercheetham on 2010-08-02, 23:40:15

The minimum you need is the international certificate of competence-ICC. nearly all sailing schools do this course look on the net for most convenient local to you. I'm guessing the cost at about 300gbp plus cost of certificate from RYA