Save the date for an evening with the CA’s Regulatory & Technical Services group (RATS) at 1900 GMT hours on Thursday 21 March 2024.
RATS will delve into the current hot topics that may impact your upcoming cruising and share practical advice. Members and non-members are invited to attend, either in-person at CA House, London or virtually via Zoom.
This fourth annual RATS seminar will feature concise 5–15 minute presentations on current topics crucial to cruising sailors:
- Orca: the continuing interaction with orca off the coasts of Portugal and Spain and current thinking on avoidance tactics.
- HVO and Sustainability: hydrotreated Vegetable Oil could offer a simple, drop-in replacement for fossil fuel derived diesel to reduce cruising sailors’ environmental footprint. What are the arguments for and against this approach and what are the current regulatory and fiscal impediments?
- EU Visas and Permits: the 90 in 180-day rule that now applies to UK citizens visiting Schengen countries has curtailed cruising plans with some cruisers contemplating giving up sailing altogether. There have been some positive developments in Sweden and France with permits and visas being available under certain circumstances. There are also political rumblings in France, Spain and Italy that may improve the situation.
- CE/UKCA and RCD: what is the latest position on conformity marking of vessels being brought into service from outside the UK and outside the EU? Has the problem gone away with the recent decision by the UK Government to accept CE marking?
- RATS Technical Projects: an overview of other issues RATS is reviewing, including sustainability, emissions, autonomous marine radio devices (man overboard beacons), artificial nesting sites, wind farms, rocket launch sites and marine protected areas.
You will also discover how RATS plays such a crucial role in helping cruising sailors understand and navigate regulatory and technical challenges. From interacting with government bodies to engaging with offshore developers and the marine industry, RATS ensures the concerns of the cruising sailor are heard. RATS is an executive committee of the Cruising Association made up of CA volunteers.
Register Now
Date: 1900 hrs, Thursday 21 March 2024
Tickets: In-person at CA House, London or via Zoom Webinar - free for CA members / £7 for non-members. See booking details and links here.
Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and connected with the latest developments.
Find out more about the work of RATS at www.theca.org.uk/public/rats.
4 January 2024