+++ This article is an April Fool's joke. However, it is true that the Ministry of Transport interprets the laws in such a way that recreational boaters must not only have paper charts for the relevant sailing area on board in addition to the electronic charts that are widely used today, but that these must even be corrected on a weekly basis. +++
Until recently, the responsible department in the Ministry of Transport adhered to the strict interpretation of the law, according to which recreational boaters not only have to have paper charts for the relevant sailing area on board in addition to the electronic charts that are widely used today, but that these must even be corrected on a weekly basis.
What sounds like an April Fool's joke made big waves. Authorities and associations took a stand, and the waterway police even issued Fines for offences.
In future, the chart plotter will suffice
That is now history. In future, electronic nautical charts on recreational craft will be sufficient to meet the legal obligations, as is the case with our Danish neighbours.
A spokesperson for the water police told YACHT that there will be a guide to the requirements to be met in time for the season. It can already be assumed that the current versions of the major manufacturers' charts will be accepted.
Hardware still unclear
The hardware that will be required could be regulated more precisely. Here, too, it can be assumed that chart plotters (We have tested) from a size of 7 inches will be sufficient. It can also be assumed that tablets, which are generally larger, will be able to replace paper charts in the future (Test of tablets from 300 euros). The situation is different with smartphones. Their display size will hardly meet the requirements of a nautical chart replacement.
New regulation is part of a reform of the recreational craft regulations
For several years now, the department responsible for recreational boating has been working on merging six different regulations on recreational boating into one. This new recreational boating regulation could come into force this year. In addition to the paper chart obligation, it also affects the driving licence system.
Fines are expected to be reimbursed from the special fund
The fact that fines were imposed last season due to outdated paper nautical charts has massively damaged the reputation of the authorities. Word has also got around at the Waterways and Shipping Administration and the waterway police stations. As part of their public relations work, the police spokesman said that they are now working to ensure that the offenders from the previous season have their fines for outdated paper charts refunded. This is possible thanks to the relaxation of the debt brake. A portion of the future federal government's special fund will also be channelled into the newly created area of "maritime proximity to citizens".
+++ This article is an April Fool's joke. However, it is true that the Ministry of Transport interprets the laws in such a way that recreational boaters must not only have paper charts for the relevant sailing area on board in addition to the electronic charts that are widely used today, but that these must even be corrected on a weekly basis. +++
