Sailing laws in uk?

Question

I am looking to buy a 9 meter 6 berth motor cruiser, what are the laws that govern the purchase and the sailing of such vessels

Answer 1

buy it and cruise around, UK is still one of the few countries that recognizes an individuals' right to p**s about on the water.

Answer 2

Under U.K. law you are free to go and buy any boat without any prior qualifications or experience, however if you intend to operate your vessel commercially there are alot of regulations you must adhere to and qualifications you must obtain. See the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for more info:

http://www.mcga.gov.uk

I would seriously advise you to seek proper training and instruction in your chosen vessel as the majority of accidents involving powered craft often occur as a result of the skipper/crew lacking proper training, knowledge and experience in handling their craft.

The RYA offer extensive training in all aspects of motor cruising from boat handling to navigation. For your own safety and for  that of others it is well worth participitaing in formal training. It will also enhance your boating experience.

More information about the types of courses available and where you can participate in them is available from the RYA website.

See the following link to the RYA motorboating section:

http://www.rya.org.uk/Activities/motorbo...

Answer 3

I'm not sure about the laws but you have to remember the basic rules of the road.

i.e. Powerboat gives way to sail, port to starboard, windward to leeward e.t.c

Also try asking who you are buying the boat from.

Answer 4

There are no laws on British rivers. You can ram other boats and allsorts of stuff. If you did stuff on land, stuff you can do on rivers you`d be in right trouble.

Answer 5

Sail it on the water.

Dont try to sail it up the M1.

Call the coastguard as they can help if you are sinking.

Answer 6

IT's just the same as buying and driving a car except you will not, unfortunately, need a licence to drive your cruiser.  I strongly advise you to take a couple of power boat courses or something similar as they are plenty of idiots out there on the water who don't have a clue about the highway code of the water.  If you do take a course then you can be one of the smug ones who can moan about the nutters!  Berthing is pricey in most places.