Let me explain. On the 27th March 2009 We were sent a letter from BW, which I received on the 29th, saying that MCA ( Maritime & Coastguard Agency ) has introduced a new statutory requirement that affects the operators of trading and passenger boats on the inland waterways. In short any boat that has a trade licence has to have at least a helmsman cert. This came into affect on the 31st March 2009. After a lot of phone calls to both BW & MCA , we are now between two bureaucracies that have different views. MCA says we do come under the rules as we have a trading licence, which means it`s illegal to move my boat without the required certificate. BW says it`s OK to move the boat but won`t put it in writing,for me to send to MCA for approval. Oh yes BW knew about this change was coming in 2003/2005/2007 ( information from MCA ) They (BW ) did say that changes, maybe, are on the way, (amendments/exemptions) but no time scale. Which leaves us in the, do the cert and later get exempt, which is a waste of time and more important, money. Or have to do the cert. (which we have`nt budgeted for) when we can, being that they (BW ) gave us 4 days notice. Both ways the boat can`t move. So we ain`t moving till we have it in black & white, not word of mouth. I can trade but not move the boat till it`s sorted. The worring thing is the area enforcement officer did`nt know anything about it, we exlained, that He was breaking the law by asking us to move, which is breaking the law. So thats the reason why we are over-staying, other traders are moving about, if they have the cert, no probs, if not, they are taking the risk of invalid insurance and the wrath of the MCA, if anything happends that brings it to their attention, accident/damage/personal injury. Just a little thought, hire boats have a leisure & buisness licence displayed, is`nt that classed as a trade or commercial licence??
Happy Boating Garry & Julie NB Teila Shop on the Canal
