Current Affairs

Brexit

The RYA is working to ensure that Government understands and takes account of the activities of our members as it negotiates the UK’s exit position. 

Invasive non-native species

The RYA is providing guidance for recreational boaters to help minimise the spread of invasive non-native species.

Marine Protected Areas (including Marine Conservation Zones)

The RYA is working to ensure that recreational boating's interests are considered. 

Marine Licensing

The RYA wants to achieve fair and proportionate licensing regimes in terms of both regulation and fees.

Poorly marked fishing gear and small craft safety

The RYA wants to achieve better marking of static fishing gear, making it visible by day and at night.

Red diesel

The RYA considers that marked red diesel should continue to be available to recreational boaters in the UK for the purpose of propelling a private pleasure craft, provided that appropriate duty has been paid. 

Carriage of Pyrotechnic Flares

The RYA is keen to ensure that technological advances in distress alerting are embraced as widely as possible.

Offshore wind and tidal energy installations

The RYA acknowledges the Government's desire to promote renewable energy; however we are keen to ensure the navigational safety of recreational boating around the coast.

Marine Planning

The RYA wants to achieve marine plans which protect and enhance recreational boating facilities

Disposal of Pyrotechnic Flares

The RYA seeks no reduction in disposal facilities currently provided by the MCA and ultimately we would welcome an end to compulsory carriage requirements.

Personal Floatation Devices (life-jackets and buoyancy aids)

The RYA recommends that recreational boaters wear a life-jacket or buoyancy aid unless they are sure they don't need to.

Light dues

The RYA opposes the levying of light dues on recreational craft of less than 20GT.

HM Coastguard restructure

The RYA is working to ensure that current service levels are maintained and improved.

Alcohol and boating

The RYA urges all boaters not to mix alcohol and boating

Boat registration

The RYA believes that boat registration in the UK should remain voluntary.

Skipper licensing

The RYA does not believe that compulsory skipper licensing will of itself enhance safety.