Early in September Bill Bailey drew my attention to the fact that the National Marine Safety Committee, normally concerned with merchant shipping matters, were pressing for compulsory licensing and registration of recreational craft. The BMIF (Federation of the British Marine Industry) appeared to be in favour also. As a RYA meeting was imminent I wrote at once to the chairman of the RYA expressing this association’s concern and insisting that the RYA should resist these attempts to limit our freedom.

I am pleased to say that I had a reply within ten days. Apparently the BMIF say that if such legislation is inevitable then they want to be in the forefront during the framing of such regulations. The RYA also publicly state that if licensing is introduced they expect to be the certifying authority. The difference is that the BMIF believe legislation to be inevitable; the RYA do not and also think that there is a reduction of such demand in some quarters. Apparently Holland has recently abandoned its plans for compulsory registration and a boat tax. Sweden has discontinued its compulsory registration. Anyway, a joint RYA/BMIF delegation will meet Lord Caithness in October to counter the National Marine Safety Committee’s demands.

The RYA is aware however, that many yachtsmen, both sail and power, would welcome the licensing of motor craft capable of over 17 knots. If the Government insisted, the RYA might accept this. It is hard to argue against this as many of us have had unpleasant experiences involving such craft. On my last trip across the Solent my dinghy was half filled to the gunwales by the stern wave of a light motor cruiser which passed within 10 metres. Also apart from their owners, I have yet to meet anyone who appreciates the proximity or sound of water scooters.

It is to be hoped however that the RYA is now firmly on our side. I would think that the chance of government action taking place without some consultation with concerned parties has receded. Nevertheless the necessity to remain vigilant remains.

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Bill Bailey also managed to obtain a meeting with the new BMIF Executive Chairman, Tony Beechey, during the Southampton Boat Show. The result of this was a strong letter from the BMIF to Mike Hayter at the Department of Trade and Industry strongly asserting, among other things, that the application of the EC Recreational Craft Directive should only apply to new craft and should not apply retrospectively. This should certainly please the Old Gaffers Association among others. However this type of action from a body that appears sympathetic to our concerns and appears to have some influence with the DTI must be good for our cause. Well done Bill.