Help Request - Please :)

[Corfate]

Hi all,

Just thought i'd introduce myself first. I'm Joe, from Hull and i own a 38ft steel Motor cruiser that was a scraper, but i'm converting it to get it looking all pretty again

I'm hoping i can rack your brains!

I'm planning a trip from Hull, All the way down the French canal system to the med, all the way down the coast of Spain, possibly some places in Morocco and then finally Lanzarote.

What i am confused about is all the possible red tape i need to pass - such as what documents i need to present when i get to France, do i just pull in to a port and speak to the person in charge? Haha.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[nigel1]

Hi Joe, and welcome

There are others here who will have more practical experience of sailing to France, but amongst other things, you'll need
Proof of Ownership
Proof of VAT Status
Some sort of certificate of competency (RYA and or ICC), and if using the inland waterways, you'll need to pass a CEVNI test (I think thats the right letters)
Radio Station License (free of charge)
Small Craft Registration
Radio Operator Certificate
Sure there will be a few others.


As your staying within the EU, things will be a lot easier than going outside the EU, but like you said, when you ruck up at some French port, best thing is to present yourself to the harbour master who will point you in the right direction.

Here are a couple of links to get you started

HM Revenue & Customs

Boating Abroad | Information & Advice | RYA

[Corfate]

Fantastic - thank you!

I'll take a good look - i didn't realise there was so much stuff to prepare documentation wise! haha.

[David_Old_Jersey]

It sounds a lot, but in truth it isn't and most a one time deal - and none of it is rocket science (when you know!).......if it was would be a lot less boats wandering around!

Likely will also need proof insurance (at least 3rd party), AFAIK not a legal requirement but some Marinas may require it.

Any pics of the boat?

[goboatingnow]

In Order of importance for France and further afield

Passports and crew list etc
Boat insurance ( this is a must for marina stays ) preferably translated in French ( less an issue these days)
Boat registration (SSR or part 1)
iCC with cevni extensions for canals , a copy of roles of navigation needs to be aboard (Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieure)
VHF cert if radio aboard
Carry in date flares for France
If liferaft ensure serviced and in date
Some form of VAT information ( note there is NO ' proof' of vat document ) , typically you retain a copy of the original sales invoice which should show vat.
Note that once the boat is registered in an EU country VAT is solely the concern of that country

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Joe.

[Corfate]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Joe.

Thankyou for the warm welcome

I'll try and get a picture uploaded tomorrow!

Regarding the proof of VAT paid, I'm not sure if i have this as it was a private sale. I can get proof of VAT on all the work carried out on the boat if this would suffice?

[nigel1]

The original, or a subsequent bill of sale should indicate that VAT was paid at some point. It only gets paid the one time.

[Corfate]

I have the bill of sale, but i can't see where it says VAT was paid. Is it possible it's never been paid?

If not, how would i go about sorting it?

[goboatingnow]

A bill of sale will usually never state value , much less VAT , it is a record of the sale persay.


You have only a couple of options open

1. Search the boats records for its original sales invoice , or failing that as, the seller if he has a copy

2. Determine the original importers , builders etc and request the original sales invoice. They may or may not agree to give it to you , since you are merely a third party.

3. Ignore the issue, its only really an issue of it stops you from registering the boat , which if you are in the UK , it will not.


4. Contact the relevant revenue authorities , negotiate the financial value and pay the VAT!

5. Despite what has been said VAT can be due more then once , its a transaction tax not an asset tax.

Dave

[Corfate]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

A bill of sale will usually never state value , much less VAT , it is a record of the sale persay.


You have only a couple of options open

1. Search the boats records for its original sales invoice , or failing that as, the seller if he has a copy

2. Determine the original importers , builders etc and request the original sales invoice. They may or may not agree to give it to you , since you are merely a third party.

3. Ignore the issue, its only really an issue of it stops you from registering the boat , which if you are in the UK , it will not.


4. Contact the relevant revenue authorities , negotiate the financial value and pay the VAT!

5. Despite what has been said VAT can be due more then once , its a transaction tax not an asset tax.

Dave

Thanks alot Dave

The boat is going to be left in Lanzarote when we get there, so is it possible to risk getting away without sorting out the VAT?

[boatman61]

Should mention... date of build/launch will effect VAT liability... not to sure of the dates but GBN is likely a good source..