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But what should RYA policy be with regard to powerboats, especially the modern high speed power cruiser?
There is no doubt that this is a fast growing sector of the leisure market. It is more probable that the first time family buyer will look at a motor boat rather than face up to the mysteries of sail. It is therefore inevitable that a higher proportion of the motorboat community will lack experience and a full understanding of maritime traditions. The RYA cannot turn their back on this trend. Indeed, the fact that one can purchase a 500hp boat without even being aware that the colregs exist is frightening!
I am sure that responsible builders, especially those who apply BMF codes of practice do what they can to persuade people to acquire the right skills, but they do not have the force of law to aid them. Perhaps the French have got it right, requiring all boats capable of more than 10kts under power to be registered, and for the registration to be prominently displayed. With so many boats looking very similar, enforcement of colregs and harbour byelaws is virtually impossible without clear, unique identification. In any case it cannot be long before something like the International Certificate of Competence becomes required in most (if not all) EU countries. The UK will be forced to follow suit. The time has come for the RYA and the boatbuilding industry to review its objections to registration and certification. I certainly sense a clear shift of opinion in this direction among the yachting community as a whole, especially with regard to fast craft.
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