[santeana]

Jack, This month the RYA has issued an update on EU provisions. That''s the timely source I was using in response to your quiry.

Since 1999 ICC has been a rolling process. If a country is signed up to UN Res 40 it''s likely to apply it. Therefore, my understanding is that it''s not just an EU quirk. Yes, there are compliance regs for non Res 40 countries but as you joked the complexity of rules and interpretations between officialdom and the local HM lead to inconsistant application. That''s the main point. Take what you will, I think it''s an issue worth bringing to the attention of ''innocent'' sailors visiting EU perhaps from more relaxed parts of the world. Like you, it''s essential they have their national competence documentation with them.

The canals/waterways requirement in mainland EU is different. Apart from ICC you need to have CEVNI. I think this will impact everyone as it is specifically about the rules and regs approriate to EU canal/IWs. It particularly effects UK based yachts shortcutting thro'' France to the Med. My experience of France - lived there for 2 years - is that they will enforce these regs., if they''re not already doing so.

Portugese Circulation Tax has been reintroduced and has to be paid by all local vessels (like a car tax) and by foreign vessels after 180d in Port. waters. Its reported every harbour has a goverment office to admin the tax. Yes, Jack, it''s just like the Spanish wealth tax. See www.rya.org for more details.

Third party insurance - this is a Portugese national compulsory requirment effective from June 04. It applies "within Portugese waters".

Many UK sailors (and marine authorities) see EU threatening our freedoms. RYA are fighting to keep them at bay and a lot of the "incompetence" you refer to is professional blind eye to the mess we''re in. Something to rejoice, for if THEY threw the book at us I''d take up golf.

Cheers, Ron.