Wix and Wrabness Yacht Club 

Dove Cottage Oakley Road Wix Nr. Manningtree Essex. CO11 2SE

                                                                                        Tel 01255 870777

Cruising to Holland, Belgium and France.

Check latest requirements from RYA web site, (link at foot of page), but all "Schengen " countries require completion of Schengen form at port of entry.  The latest version is downloadable from RYA web site but printable version is available here, (not guaranteed up to date).

General requirements

Belgium

Documentation of vessel:

Ship’s registration papers

VAT receipt

Radio licence

Tide tables and a copy of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

Documentation of crew:

Valid passports

VHF Operator’s Certificate.

Ports of Entry:

Visiting yachts from UK must report to the Maritime Police Control at a Port of Entry, using a special form obtainable from the CA, or RYA, see Schengen forms above (a form for vessels from non-Schengen countries).

Other information:

All seagoing craft must carry adequate safety equipment.  The essential items quoted as:  tide tables, coloured rockets, safety harnesses, compass, life jackets, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, navigation lights, bilge pump, anchor and tools for the engine.  (more information can be obtained from RYA book C8 Cruising Yacht Safety).

Netherlands

Documentation of vessel:

Ship’s registration papers

A copy of the Binnenvaart Politie Reglement (BPR), which is published in Vol 1 of the Almanak voor Watertourisme.  No English translation is available.

Documentation of Crew

Valid passports

Ports of Entry:

Visiting yachts from UK must report to the Maritime Police Control at a Port of Entry, using a special form obtainable from the CA, or RYA, see Schengen forms above (a form for vessels from non-Schengen countries).

Other information

Yachtsmen with red diesel on board should keep a receipt to prove that it was purchased outside of Holland.  Ships Radio Licence and the VHF Operator’s Certificate are likely to be inspected.

Currently a certificate of competence is not required for Dutch inland waterways provided the vessel is not longer than 15 metres and not capable of more than 11 knots.

    Useful Links:    Royal Yachting Association.   The Met Office.     Weather Online.      UK Hydrographic Office Easy tide.

Deben Entrance.     Orford Entrance.    www.marinas.com        Stour Sailing Club.        Windfinder.com

Copyright © Wix & Wrabness Yacht Club 2002 - 2007