News

From 30 June non-commercial vessels wishing to refuel in Northern Ireland must do so with white diesel. What’s the snag? There are no marine white diesel pumps in Northern Ireland, and demand is insufficient for commercial operators to make provision.

The Cruising Association (CA) is delighted that the government has reviewed its proposals for the reform of UK red diesel regulations for marine craft, as announced in yesterday’s Spring Budget. It has concluded that removing the entitlement to use red diesel in the commercial sector, including water borne freight, ferries, fishing vessels, operating at sea or inland, would have had a detrimental effect on their finances and viabilities.

Between 22 and 28 March, the CA is running an inclusive, online, Spring Promo Week that is sure to be of significant interest to anyone thinking of joining us, as well as providing plenty of online incentives to appeal to existing members, wherever you’re based. All you need is a computer or other device and an internet connection!

The CA has today launched its campaign to reduce the impact of Brexit on British small boat cruisers who have traditionally explored the coasts and inland waterways of Europe in sailing and motor boats.

There's a particular focus on the Netherlands, Greece, Spain and Portugal where the CA is lobbying for a 180-day cruising visa separate from the Schengen 90-day visa.

Marine red diesel is still on sale to leisure vessels in the UK, despite the Government’s plans to phase it out following a judgment from the European Court of Justice. Now that Britain has left the EU, red diesel will continue to be legal for the propulsion of vessels in the UK until April 2022. However, red diesel in crafts’ engine tanks is not permitted in the EU27 and other countries.

With the challenges of COVID-19 still likely to curtail face-to-face events being staged in the first few months of 2021, the Cruising Association (CA) is putting in place plans to stage an online Spring Promotions Week to coincide with the fitting out season, from 22-26 March.

The key Brexit issues affecting the sailing community have been addressed in a recently held Brexit Special Webinar entitled "Brexit Issues for Cruisers", the contents of which was researched and presented by members of the Cruising Association (CA) Regulations and Technical Services group (RATS).