Coding Requirements - training

[havener]

Hi all,

Sorry if this has been asked before, the search didn't return much.

Would a boat used purely for training (i.e. commercially sold courses) but no other form of charter, passenger use, etc, need to be coded?

I suppose I could ask the MCA, but I thought I'd ask people who actually know first

Do the RYA require coding as part of their centre accreditation?

Thanks

Simon

[Simon Hawkins]

A boat used purely for training does not need to be coded if it is only to be used within the operating area of the training centre. The RYA will inspect the boat when they attend the centre before giving you accreditation.

[havener]

Thanks Simon.

What I thought, but better to know for real.

Just an idea at the moment but looking more feasable by the day.

Simon

[SeaSkills]

I assume that the training is RYA courses. The RYA exemption from coding for their recognised training centres is allowed for a simple operating radius of 3 miles, which is fine for courses up to Powerboat Level 2. If you are operating outside of categorised waters (as defined in MSN 1758), you would be unlikely to run Intermediate or Advanced training courses within that area and for those courses your boat would need to be coded. If you are within categorised waters - no problem.

[havener]

Hi Ian,

Yes, looking at RYA courses as well as some other more specialised stuff (for which I note we'd need the RYA's permission if accredited).

As I read it, the RYA's definition is 3 miles from land, not 3 mile radius, so we could be looking at intermediate and advanced for port to port passages. If we go down the road of advanced, we'll probably go down the coded boat route anyway to allow for other activities.

Thanks for the reply.

Simon

[SeaSkills]

Hi Simon,

The RYA requirement is 3 miles from the limit of categorised water AND within 3 miles of land. Not knowing where you're thinking of operating, I can't really comment any further. If your own base, for example, is within categorised waters, you can travel to the category limit then a further 3 miles provided (as you say) that you stay within 3 miles of the coastline. That may or may not give you a useable area for advanced courses. It isn't the size of the area that matters, it's what you have there. In particular - a variety of other traffic, buoyage, and places to go to. (If your base is outside categorised waters, you will almost certainly need to get coded)

I don't believe you need written permission from the RYA for non-training activities - it's more an obligation on you to conduct those activities safely and responsibly. Nonetheless, letting them know what you're doing is likely to be appreciated.

Coding is a bit of a double-edged sword. It can be a real pain to get a boat coded (not to mention the expense), but it's also very reassuring to know that if something was to go wrong at least you've got independent accreditation for the safety of your boat. 6m+ boats can, at least, cope with the equipment you have to carry.

It's hard to criticise someone for getting their boat coded, even if they don't strictly need to!

[hobbit555]

When I was running an RYA centre it was 3 miles from point of departure from cat D waters, as the harbour entrance was 3.3miles from the teaching site the centre had to change it operation site.

Coding does open up alot more posibilitiesfor different types of work and a boat tied up in a marina cost money not earning money.


Full coding means you can operate any where within your licence limits. (ie 20 miles from a safe haven for an open Rib)
Depending on the area you are the local district council may offer lower priced certification for a restricted boat

[SeaSkills]

Strictly speaking, if you're going to be out in the dark (ie for Advanced courses), your coding has to be up to Category 3, and that means a "substantial enclosure" - not usually easy on RIBs. Unless you're driving a Redbay or a big boat with a pilothouse, of course

[havener]

Thanks for all that guys.

Ian - the bit about offering other courses was on the RYA website (I forget which document now as I've read so many lately!) but it was quite definate that you cannot / should not be running "competitors" courses alongside RYA courses without asking them first...but like you say, asking out of courtesy is usually best anyway.


Out of interest, MSN 1758 has now been superceeded by MSN 1776, although I can't see much difference!
Thanks

Simon

[SeaSkills]

The RYA bits you need are from the Guidelines for Inspections (which has recently been updated - make sure you have the current version) You can find it on the new "Training" part of their site at http://ryatraining.org/NR/rdonlyres/...dancenotes.pdf

The relevant parts are:

1 - If a centre conducts activities afloat which fall outside the remit of RYA recognition, the centre must exercise all reasonable care and skill and conduct such activities in accordance with best practice and/or established national guidelines

and

2 - The centre must agree that for the duration of its RYA recognition not to endorse, promote or offer a third party’s products or services, including but not limited to training programmes for sail and powerboat/motor cruising, which conflict or compete with any RYA trademarks, products or services, including RYA training schemes, without the prior written approval of the RYA

So it's only if you're planning to offer training courses that directly compete with the RYA courses that you need their written approval. However, as we have both said, far better to let them know even if it isn't strictly a requirement.

[havener]

That's the bit - downloaded it yesterday.

Cheers