Boating Guidance for Scotland

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RYA Updated 1 April 2021

The latest revision to RYA Scotland guidance (version 6) on the current restrictions as they affect boating in Local Authority areas in Level 3 and in Level 4 Stay Local and the timetable for easing coronavirus restrictions from 2 April until late June 2021 is now available.

It is important to note that we fully expect this guidance to be revised and probably at short notice.

Although we expect all of mainland Scotland to move to Level 3 on 26 April, further alterations to Levels will be dependent on local suppression of the virus. It is possible for these levels to vary across Local Authorities and some may even return to higher level restrictions.

Please check the most up to date guidance and associated restrictions for your local area. Participants, clubs and centres should be prepared for restrictions to change at short notice and this may result in activity being adapted, postponed or cancelled.

The information within the guidance document is tailored towards RYA affiliated clubs and recognised training centres as well as individual members and the wider boating community across Scotland and is designed to aid your decision-making process and planning, not replace it.

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RYA delighted at Government decision on tax reform of red diesel

HM Treasury confirm recreational boaters’ continued entitlement to red diesel.

The RYA is pleased that following public consultation, HM Treasury has today confirmed its decision to maintain recreational boaters’ entitlement to use red diesel beyond April 2022.

Last year, the RYA responded to the HM Treasury red diesel consultation, making it clear that supply around the coast for recreational boaters could not be guaranteed unless the entitlement to use red diesel was removed from commercial boat operating industries as the cost of installing a second pump for white diesel would not be commercially viable in many harbours and ports. The RYA has always maintained that the simplest means of maintaining supply for all recreational boaters on the coast and on inland waterways is the use of duty-paid red diesel.

As part of the Spring Budget announcement, the Government stated that it is not changing the treatment of private pleasure craft in Great Britain where they will continue to be able to use red diesel and pay their fuel supplier the difference between the red diesel rate and the white diesel rate on the proportion they intend to use for propulsion.

In Northern Ireland however, recreational boaters will no longer be able to use red diesel for propelling their craft. This is to ensure the UK meets its international obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement. It will also align with fuel used by private pleasure craft in the Republic of Ireland, which the Government believes will make it simpler for private pleasure craft users to access the fuel they need if they sail between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (and vice versa).

RYA’s Director of External Affairs, Howard Pridding, commented: “We are delighted with the Government’s decision on the continued entitlement on the use of red diesel for recreational boaters. Availability of fuel at the waterside and the safety implications that that may have meant for boaters has always remained our primary concern. We have a long history of engaging with Government on this issue, and we are grateful to HMRC officials who have listened and taken pragmatic decisions.

“However, we are disappointed that the same allowances have not been granted for recreational boaters in Northern Ireland.  We will work with our colleagues in RYA Northern Ireland and continue to maintain dialogue with Government on the practical difficulties that it is going to present.”

You can read more about the RYA’s lobbying developments with red diesel here.

You can learn more about the results of the red diesel consultation on GOV.UK.

If you have any questions regarding red diesel or any other current affair issues, please visit the Current Affairs page on the RYA website or email: cruising@rya.org.uk.

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OFCOM introduces new licence requirements for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields

New requirements have been introduced by OFCOM that will affect all licensable radio equipment carried on-board UK vessels.

In response to public concerns, regarding the risk of exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions from the 4G & 5G mobile phone network, OFCOM has introduced a new requirement for all radio spectrum users to ensure that their equipment does not pose a danger to the general public. This includes all marine communications and associated electronics such as radio, radar and other emergency alerting equipment and applies to vessel and shore-based installations such as yacht clubs.

OFCOM has introduced a new condition that will appear on all new and renewed licences. New licensees must comply with the regulations with immediate effect, whilst license renewals will have between 6 and 12 months, depending upon equipment carried, to comply.

On 01 March 2021, OFCOM published their Guidance on EMF Compliance and Enforcement. We are now aware that simultaneously, OFCOM contacted all licensees to tell them that they are varying the terms and conditions of their licences. The guidance is written in broad terms and is primarily aimed at mobile phone network operators; however, it applies equally to marine licensees. It is clear to us that this has caused considerable disquiet, not least because licensees are struggling to unravel the technical jargon and therefore the details of how to comply is far from clear.

Nevertheless, the RYA has worked closely with OFCOM to ensure that the new measures do not compromise the safety of lives at sea and above all are proportionate and pragmatic. To assist you in interpreting the requirements, here is the RYA’s guidance:

  • All radio equipment emits EMF whilst transmitting, the purpose of these new regulations is to protect members of the public from harmful EMF emissions.
  • If installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it is extremely unlikely that the installations found on-board recreational craft will produce harmful emissions.
  • For the purposes of enforcement, OFCOM has included family and friends to be members of the public. The owner, skipper, radio operator and any paid crew of a vessel are covered by alternate legislation and are excluded from these provisions. So, if you are carrying family and friends on-board you will need to comply.
  • Licensees are now required to provide evidence that their installation does not exceed the general public safety limits for EMF. This can be achieved in one or more of the following ways:
  1. Fit equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and keep a copy of it on-board. If they have been lost, most are available and can be printed from the internet.
  2. If the manufacturer’s instructions cannot be located, OFCOM has created a simple  online EMF calculator tool. By inputting your vessels equipment set up, the calculator will provide you with a safe separation distance between the base of the antenna and members of the public. You should keep a copy of this calculation onboard.
  3. If the equipment has been installed by a radiocommunications professional, the installer should provide appropriate EMF compliance instructions, these should be kept on-board.
  4. Emergency communications are exempt from the regulations. Communications relating to the safety of lives at sea, when there is grave and imminent danger to a vessel or person and assistance is required are not affected by these regulations. However, whilst you do not need to comply during an emergency situation, the equipment does have to comply during routine transmissions, including radio checks.
  5. The regulations only apply to equipment that can transmit in excess of 6.1W Effective Radiated Power (ERP). ERP is the total power radiated by an antenna, in the case of a typical 25W marine VHF radio set up, the ERP at the antenna is likely to be less than the 25W transmitter power due to the line loss caused by the length of the coaxial cable between the radio and antenna. VHF handheld radios transmit at a maximum of 5W and therefore are exempt from these regulations.

Potential enforcement action

The regulations cite significant penalties for non-compliance; however, this should be put into the context that these regulations are aimed at the mobile phone network operators.

OFCOM, in its guidance, has stated that: “OFCOM intends to take a proportionate and pragmatic approach to compliance and enforcement. It is not our intention to immediately take enforcement action and impose a financial penalty or other sanctions on a spectrum user if a site on which they are present is found to be in breach of the ICNIRP general public levels regardless of the circumstances. Whilst we may consider such action to be appropriate in certain circumstances, our key objective is to foster and facilitate a climate of compliance across all spectrum users subject to an EMF condition.” 

One of the RYA’s concerns related to the definition applied to family and friends. OFCOM has assured the RYA, and it is stated in their guidance notes that: “We will take all relevant circumstances into account when deciding whether to take enforcement action and what enforcement action may be the most appropriate, noting that proactive enforcement in relation to family and friends is unlikely to be our priority.”

Further guidance

The RYA will provide further guidance on how to make effective use of the OFCOM EMF calculator.

March 09, 2021

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RYA calls for the end of compulsory flares carriage in disposal consultation

RYA responds to UK Government consultation on disposal of marine pyrotechnic flares.

The RYA has this week responded to an open consultation, launched by the Department of Transport (DfT), on the disposal of pyrotechnic flares.

The consultation, ‘Future arrangements for the disposal of maritime pyrotechnics’ was launched in February and concluded earlier this month. The consultation sought views from the UK pleasure vessel community concerning future arrangements for the safe and responsible disposal of marine pyrotechnics.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) currently offer a ‘last-resort’ service of receiving out-of-date flares at 18 designated and licensed sites across the country. This service was initially offered by the MCA as a temporary solution and the consultation was held by DfT with the aim of finding a practical alternative.

Respondents to the consultation were asked to comment on the following four options proposed by DfT:

  • Allowing the current contract between the MCA and a commercial ordnance company that disposes of flares to expire with no further action.
  • Continuation of the existing disposal service offered by the MCA.
  • Creation of a fully regulated framework for disposal of flares which would track flares from production to disposal.
  • Creation of similar existing disposal arrangements by the pleasure vessel industry (DfT’s preferred option).

It is the RYA’s long-standing view that the compulsory carriage of flares by recreational boaters is an outdated and ineffective approach to maritime safety. This requirement is what directly creates the problem of disposal. The RYA’s main case for the removal of the compulsory carriage is both the technological advances in alternative equipment, and the inherent lack of reliability and effectiveness that the flares provide.

Phil Horton, RYA Environment and Sustainability Manager, said: “Modern technology such as radios, phones and other satellite connected technologies provide safer, affordable and significantly more reliable alternatives to pyrotechnic flares. It is disappointing that this consultation does not consider removing mandatory carriage requirements as part of the solution as, in our opinion, that is the only viable way ahead.

“However, should the MCA continue to require the carriage of flares, then the RYA’s view is that extended producer responsibility is the only reasonable solution for their safe disposal. A levy on the purchase of new flares, and a requirement for vendors to recover out-of-date product, would ensure that industry addresses the issue.”

If you are a RYA member and have any questions regarding flares or any other current affair issues, please visit the Current Affairs page on the RYA website or email: cruising@rya.org.uk.

March 23, 2021

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RYA and British Marine highlight potential new costs of trading second-hand vessels between the UK and EU

Traded second-hand boats between the UK and EU will now be required to meet the obligations set out in either the Recreational Craft Directive in the EU or the Recreational Craft Regulations in the UK.

Following the release of the UK – EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement British Marine and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have been working to understand the impact of various aspects of the agreement on both the marine industry and recreational boat owners.

British Marine and the RYA have now received further information from both the EU Commission and the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on the trade of pre-owned CE marked recreational craft between the UK and EU following the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Both the UK and EU have confirmed that any vessel being traded second-hand between the UK and EU will be required to meet the obligations set out in either the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) in the EU or the Recreational Craft Regulations (RCR) in the UK when placed on either market after the 1 January 2021.

Therefore, this means that a pre-owned vessel being imported from the EU to be placed on the UK market will, after 1 January 2022, be required to obtain a new UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark in line with the requirements of the RCR. In order to obtain a UKCA mark, a boat will require a Post Construction Assessment and third-party verification.

Similar rules will apply when selling vessels into the EU. Pre-owned CE marked vessels which were in the UK at the time of departure, 11pm on the 31 December 2020, when exported to the EU will be required to undergo a recertification of the CE mark when being placed on the EU market. This means a boat will require a Post Construction Assessment in line with the RCD and third-party verification.

Boat brokerages, distributors, boat owners and buyers may well be heavily affected by this post-Brexit position, as the responsibility will fall upon them to ensure a vessel meets the applicable requirements before buying and selling second-hand boats between the UK and EU. Estimated costs of Post Construction Assessments and verification are between 500-5000 GBP dependent on the vessel.

British Marine and the RYA are currently liaising with the European Boating Industry association in order to raise concerns with this position in Europe whilst also directly engaging with BEIS in the UK.

Howard Pridding, RYA Director of External Affairs, said: “This is yet another unanticipated and unwelcome aspect of Brexit which could affect many owners financially through no fault of their own. We are working in partnership with industry to better understand and mitigate the situation and potential cost burden.”

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, commented: “As a consequence of Brexit, this is a complex and potentially difficult situation. Faced with the process of individual boat re-certification, boat builders, brokers and consumers will be impacted in terms of both time and cost when selling and buying second-hand boats cross borders. At this stage in time, British Marine is working hard to represent affected members and seek clarification of the exact ramifications of these regulations.”

Further information will be made available as and when the results of these discussions are received.

If you are a RYA member and have any questions regarding this or any other current affair issues, please visit the Current Affairs page on the RYA website or email: brexit@rya.org.uk.

March 08, 2021

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RYA Roadmap for the return of recreational boating

What the steps mean for our sport

We recently welcomed the confirmation that outdoor sport and recreation will be the first activity after education to be released from lockdown in England. This prioritisation by the Government clearly acknowledges the many positive mental and physical benefits of outdoor sport, as well as its safety and low rates of transmission.

Whilst we are all disappointed not to be able to make a full return to our normal boating activity sooner, we will work with our members and stakeholders to support a safe restart to boating activity as soon as the roadmap allows.

Government’s roadmap out of the current lockdown in England – COVID-19 RESPONSE − SPRING 2021 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

To help outline what the roadmap means for our sport we have developed our own roadmap for the return of recreational boating in England, setting out our current understanding of what each step means for our sport.

RYA Covid-19 roadmap for return to boating activity in England

Our FAQs based on what we believe the guidance means for our clubs and centres in England will be updated as we move step by step through the Government’s plan to ease restrictions in England.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed that the Cabinet Office is likely to release three pieces of specific guidance for sport around 22 March, at which time we will review the regulations and guidance in order to update our advice to members, clubs and centres.

The Devolved Administrations are also setting out how lockdown will be eased around the UK and RYA Scotland, RYA Cymru Wales and RYA Northern Ireland remain engaged with officials on the safe return to water in each devolved nation.

Our primary concern remains the health of our members, affiliated clubs and classes, recognised training centres (RTCs), instructors, staff and volunteers.

For more information visit our Covid-19 hub.

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Five steps to greener prep

As you’re preparing your boat for the season, follow this simple advice from The Green Blue to make your craft more eco-friendly…

1 Engine Efficiency

An efficient engine is good for the environment but will also give you a better ride and a less painful experience filling up at the pump!

  • Consider choosing an electric outboard engine or alternative fuels such as biodiesel or biogas. Regularly check and service your engine. Fresh oil, clean spark plugs and dustfree air filters all help to lower fuel costs and emissions.
  • While up on the plane the drag of the hull is reduced allowing a more efficient drive.

2 Antifouling

While antifouling does a great job of keeping hulls clean, and even has some environmental benefits such as improving fuel efficiency, it’s toxic to aquatic life. Some of the compounds in antifouling can get into the marine food chain. Boat owners can play a vital role in preventing concentrated paint residue and scrapings from entering the water, and these tips will help:

  • Place a sheet of tarpaulin on the ground to capture any unwanted drips, spills and paint debris.
  • Dispose of paint debris and any contaminated items in hazardous waste bins at your marina or local council’s recycling centre.
  • Choose a facility provider (marina, boatyard, club or centre) that has a filtered wash-down area to capture contaminated run-off and biofouling or encourage them to install one.

3 Oil and Fuel

Oil and fuel can enter the water in a number of ways, and a small proportion of this comes from the recreational boating sector. Oil and fuel contain hydrocarbons and heavy metals that not only affect human health but can also seriously damage the aquatic environment.

  • Check the engine bilge for oil before pumping and use an absorbent sock to remove oil and fuel in the bilge.
  • Install an in-line bilge filter to remove oil automatically when pumping out. Then dispose of collected oil in onshore hazardous waste facilities.
  • Use a fuel collar over fuel nozzles to absorb fuel ‘blowback’ up the fuel line and to catch drips when moving the nozzle across the deck.
  • Buy a spill kit to take care of any spills onboard, onshore or into the water.

4 Cleaning

Products used for cleaning and maintenance by berthholders and marina visitors have an impact on pollution levels in marinas. Cleaners used on hulls and decks often contain microplastics, chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and solvents, all potentially harmful to the aquatic environment.

  • Waxing your hull keeps you fuel efficient and reduces the need for cleaning products over the season.
  • When cleaning your boat on the water it’s recommended that you use fresh water only.
  • Avoid cleaning products that contain plastic microbeads, and steer clear of products containing ‘polyethylene’. Also avoid chlorine and bleach, which are toxic to flora and fauna, and phosphates, which encourage algal growth. Look for eco-friendly alternatives with natural ingredients instead.

5 Energy Use

Everything has a carbon footprint. But by introducing a few simple, low-cost measures you could save as much as 20% on your boating-related energy bills.

  • Consider the alternatives such as electric and bio-diesel engines, water lubricated stern glands, and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and varnishes.
  • Try to use only FSC-certified wood from responsibly managed forests.
  • Don’t leave the hose running unnecessarily when filling up your water tanks or washing down your boat.
  • Keep your hull clean, your engine running efficiently with regular servicing, and trim the engine – these will all help to minimise fuel consumption.
  • Install tap aerators wherever possible, as these can reduce the amount of water used by up to 80%.

The Green Blue is a joint environment programme between the RYA and British Marine to encourage a more sustainable recreational boating sector. To find out more about The Green Blue and for more eco advice visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk

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Cold Shock and Hypothermia

With water temperatures continuing to fall, Craig Burton, RYA Training Resource Manager, takes a closer look at cold water immersion, what to expect and what you can do to increase your chance of survival should you find yourself in the water…

A British Government report, published in 1977, identified that 55% of open water deaths occurred within 3m of safety, and 47% within just 2m of safety. It was clear something much quicker than hypothermia was incapacitating these casualties, and the various stages of the body’s reaction to cold water immersion were identified.

We’ve known about these stages for some time, but it is no less dangerous. There are however, a few simple things you can do to prepare yourself should the worst happen. Here, we revisit the basics.

Cold shock

Cold shock, or cold water shock, is the physiological reaction when a person enters cold water. The sudden lowering of skin temperature produces involuntary responses which take effect almost immediately, reach their peak in the first 30 seconds and last for 2 to 3 minutes:

  • Breathing becomes quicker – hyperventilation.
  • This over-breathing can cause dizziness and confusion in the first few minutes.
  • In water below 15°C an initial involuntary gasp of air can result in inhalation of water.
  • The ability to hold breath is greatly reduced to less than 10 seconds.
  • In choppy water where waves wash over the face frequently, this rapid breathing and reduced ability to hold your breath greatly increases the risk of water inhalation and drowning.
  • The blood vessels near the surface of the skin constrict to reduce flow and prevent heat loss, leading to increased blood pressure as the heart pumps against the constrictions. Any exertion at this point can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke

It is easy to see how these responses could cause panic.

Remember, the rapid breathing will settle down in a minute or two. It’s best to focus on protecting your airway and NOT undertaking the swim to perceived safety until your heart rate and breathing settles.

An appropriate personal floatation device (PFD) for the activity (lifejacket or buoyancy aid) will assist in keeping you afloat and able to protect your airway in the first few minutes. The RYA website has detailed advice about choosing an appropriate PFD, but in general terms a buoyancy aid should be worn in activities where it is expected that you will enter the water as a typical part of the activity. For example, dinghy sailing.

Loss of co-ordination and dexterity

As the cold water begins to cool your muscles, dexterity is reduced. This takes place between 3 and 30 minutes. In this time, you may lose your ability to operate a distress beacon, such as a MOB alert.

Your ability to swim will also gradually become more impaired. Deploying or activating equipment should be done as soon as possible, particularly if in open water.

If you have an MOB beacon or strobe light, activate it now. Don’t wait until your hands are too cold.

If you have a lifejacket with a spray hood, deploy it now to protect your airways.

Hypothermia leading to unconsciousness

From 30 minutes onwards genuine hypothermia becomes a reality. Uncontrollable shivering will stop as the body continues to cool. Without rescue this may ultimately lead to unconsciousness and loss of life.

Having appropriate clothing will help, and you should also minimise your surface area by adopting the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture). This will reduce loss of body heat. Avoid excess activity, such as swimming, as it will increase your rate of cooling.

Be prepared

The RYA Sea Survival Handbook is the official supporting text for the RYA Sea Survival course. It covers everything from understanding weather to calling for help, as well as the importance of the correct safety equipment and how and when to use it. Visit the RYA website for more information about the book and the course – www.rya.org.uk

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Boating Guidance for Scotland

Related documents

Related pages

Updated 7th January 2021

From Tuesday 5 January, mainland Scotland moved from Level 4 to a Temporary Lockdown, with new guidance to stay at home except for essential purposes. Some islands will remain at Level 3.

Our updated guidance covers the essentials of the current restrictions as they affect boating in Local Authority areas in Level 3 and those within Temporary Lockdown. It should be read in conjunction with the most recent full guidance from RYA Scotland issued on 3 December 2020 noting specifically that Temporary Lockdown supersedes all Level 4 information.

The information within our guidance is tailored towards RYA affiliated clubs and recognised training centres as well as individual members and the wider boating community across Scotland and is designed to aid your decision-making process and planning, not replace it.

It is still possible to go boating as a form of exercise, following the outdoor gathering rules, but we remind everyone that that we are in the grip of a pandemic that has become significantly worse in recent weeks. The overriding message for Scotland’s boating community is to ‘Stay at Home’ wherever possible and we must all do our bit to stop the spread of the virus.

Travel is severely restricted by law and you may only travel to your boat if it is kept in the same local authority area you live in.

Subject to a full risk assessment, facility providers such as Clubs, Training Centres, Marinas and Boatyards may open to allow access for boat owners but will each make their own decisions on whether or not they open their doors or gates to people in the locality. We encourage boat owners to utilise the services of staff at their storage facility if at all possible, in an effort to avoid making a journey, to respect that facility providers may not be able to open and advise owners to contact facility providers before travelling to confirm access.

If you are fortunate enough to live in an area within which you are able to get to your boat, please consider if you can help out someone else who cannot travel, by checking their boat for them.

Importantly in this lockdown, you may travel within your local authority area to go boating as your form of exercise or for essential maintenance on your boat. For the time being essential maintenance is work which if not undertaken would cause failure or become an imminent safety issue and we suggest examples in our updated guidance. Travel for essential maintenance should not be used as a pretext to spend the day onboard ‘pottering’ or for a weekend away. You should not stay longer than the length of time required to undertake essential maintenance.

To check what level of measures apply in your area or venue where you intend to participate in activity, please check the postcode on the Government webpage. You should be prepared for restrictions to change at short notice and this may result in activity being adapted, postponed or cancelled.

If you have any queries about this most recent guidance please do get in touch with the RYA Scotland Team.

RYA Guiding Principles – applying across Scotland and other Home Countries

These are the RYA and RYA Scotland’s guiding principles that will underpin all guidance across the boating community. We would encourage decision makers to use these principles to inform their own decisions during the Covid-19 period.

  1. We will always follow Government advice – Scottish Government
  • The COVID-19 preventative measures are vital to protecting health and wellbeing and to minimising pressure on frontline services. We have a collective and individual role to play by following the Government guidelines.
  1. We will, as a boating community, take a considerate and conservative approach
  • Considerate of others be mindful of the potential impact that you could have on other water users and local communities. Do not place unnecessary extra strain on the RNLI and emergency services
  • Conservative of risk: help to minimise risk by taking an extra conservative approach to your boating.

The COVID-19 preventative measures are vital to protecting health and wellbeing and to minimising pressure on frontline services. We have a collective and individual role to play by following the Government guidelines.

Remember FACTS for a safer Scotland.

  • Face covering
  • Avoid crowded places
  • Clean hands and surfaces regularly
  • Two metre distance from other people
  • Self-isolate and book a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms

People who are symptomatic should self-isolate for 10 days and household members also for 10 days. No one who is self-isolating should attend a sports facility or activity.

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Speed Limits

Queen’s Harbour Master Clyde
CLYDE DOCKYARD PORT SPEED LIMITS
LNTM No 02/21
1) ALL MARINERS ARE REMINDED OF THE DOCKYARD PORT SPEED LIMITS AND IN PARTICULAR THE NEED TO MINIMISE VESSEL WASH IN THE VICINITY OF SMALLER CRAFT, ESPECIALLY NEAR YACHT CLUB MOORINGS. DETAILS  OF SPEED LIMITS CAN BE FOUND ON THE QHM CLYDE WEBSITE.

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/qhm/clyde/regulations/speed-limits

2) NEXT CWM 3/21

View notice online
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