Today is the end, as of tomorrow the United Kingdom will no longer be a member of the EU. This marks the end of years of tough wrangling over whether the UK should remain or leave. It will nevertheless remain exciting, as it is still completely unclear in many areas what concrete effects the move will have for both Europeans and the British themselves.
8 possible Brexit consequences for sailors:
1. more complex border change
Anyone sailing to England had to officially clear out in Germany and clear in in England. In practice, however, the authorities on both sides of the Channel usually did not insist on compliance with the formalities. That could change. At worst, visas will be required. It is more likely that, in addition to the usual shipping documents, a passport will continue to suffice, but this will no longer have to be valid for at least three months, but possibly for six months. Visits to the harbour office and customs are also likely to become mandatory for British sailors after a hard Brexit.
2. involuntary boat import
Local owners whose boats have been permanently moored in England for a long time need to watch out! From tomorrow, they will be outside the EU and will have to be imported into the EU, i.e. duty and tax will have to be paid on their return to Germany. Whether this will actually be the case is still unclear. However, if you want to be on the safe side, you would have to move your boat to an EU country today as a precaution.
3. equipment and safety
Within the EU, the CE certification of a yacht guarantees that it meets the applicable equipment and safety standards. It is possible that England will no longer recognise this certificate in future and will issue its own regulations. In case of doubt, foreign yachts heading for the island will then also have to fulfil these regulations.
4 New insurance rules
Whether boat or health insurance, sailors should check whether their policies continue to provide cover when travelling to the UK. In particular, owners who have their yacht under contract with a British insurer will probably have to look for a new provider. And it is also unclear whether German health insurance companies will still pay medical or hospital bills from England. If in doubt, it is better to take out foreign travel health insurance.
5. duty-free diesel
In England, tax-reduced red diesel is still available. Only British crews were allowed to import it into the EU. All others were only allowed to import residual quantities. This is likely to end in the future.
6. unresolved mock questions
EU countries generally recognise sailing and radio licences from other EU countries. In some third countries, however, skippers sometimes have to take a subsequent examination, such as acquiring a country-specific radio licence. It remains to be seen whether this will also be the case in England.
7. health check for pets
If you want to take your dog or cat on board with you to England, you already have to comply with various regulations, from valid animal passports to proof of vaccination. In principle, little is likely to change. However, existing documents may have to be replaced by new ones.
8. expensive phone calls
The EU roaming regulations could be cancelled for the UK. If you want to keep your telephone costs under control, you should therefore buy a prepaid card in the UK in future or switch off your mobile phone when you cross the Channel.
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
