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Of course this suits the charter companies because it raises the price of market entry. It also protects the consumer from chartering a wholly unsuitable boat, perhaps from someone trying to defray his purchase costs. It ought to mean that if you go to any other EU country, such as Greece or Sweden, that the boat you charter has all the essentials such as flares, lifejackets, and sound gear. But to apply such a regulation when a friend wants to use the boat seems like bureaucracy gone mad. The boat is probably sound anyway, the only things missing being paperwork, plating, a costly inspection and regular re-inspection.
This is the regulatory risk. Let Sir Humphrey in, and he will always work on a ‘worst case’ scenario in devising the rules. They can always defend their position on spurious grounds of safety.
The British boatbuilding industry may now regret the fact that it initiated the Recreational Craft Directive that governs construction standards for our boats throughout Europe. They were concerned about unfair competition from other Member States, Well, it may have met their requirements, but it is costing all purchasers of new boats quite a lot of money - 5% does not seem to be an unreasonable estimate. All component manufacturers have had to get their equipment certified, and builders have had to go through a lengthy process of getting approvals. Are we really better off as a result? If we are, is it worth 5%? I confess I am not sure!
Even now, certain matters are not very clear. For example, boats are now recommended for a certain number of people. If you carry more, is this illegal? Is the insurance still valid? Only after a few very painful court cases will we know the answers.
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