RIB Charter Exclusion for Northern Ireland

[Paul Beaurain]

Hi
With no new boat yet, I am hiring a RIB on West Coast of Scotland for 1 week in the summer.

On receiveing the hire contract I was amazed to find the following within the Permitted Cruising Area section.
'Inland coastal waters of UK Excluding Northern Ireland in accordance with MCA coding parameters'.

With NI one of the nicest crusing areas and within sensible distance what is the problem? Perhaps this exclusion is wholly out of date now - given the now peacefull situation.

Is it the MCA excluding this or the hirer?

Should I negotiate this section out with the charter company?
I would be interested what the Northern Ireland Tourest Board would make of this.

comments please.

[Poly]

paul, i would suspect it is a clause imposed by the insurers. insurance in NI seems to be a bit different to the mainland. possibly for historical reasons related to the troubles ? but a normal uk car insurer will still not cover you if you live in Ni.

I would certainly try to negotiate it out if you want to go there (there may be an extra cost). Not sure if the passage from Scotland to NI is all considered to be "inland coastal water".

[Ezgoing]

paul

where are you hiring from?

[Andy Gee]

Originally Posted by Paul Beaurain

Hi
With no new boat yet, I am hiring a RIB on West Coast of Scotland for 1 week in the summer.

On receiveing the hire contract I was amazed to find the following within the Permitted Cruising Area section.
'Inland coastal waters of UK Excluding Northern Ireland in accordance with MCA coding parameters'.

With NI one of the nicest crusing areas and within sensible distance what is the problem? Perhaps this exclusion is wholly out of date now - given the now peacefull situation.

Is it the MCA excluding this or the hirer?

Should I negotiate this section out with the charter company?
I would be interested what the Northern Ireland Tourest Board would make of this.

comments please.

Paul,
I think that it will be due to the MCA Code that the boat is under, our insurance covers all of Ireland.
HTH
Andy

[Doug Stormforce]

sounds like insurance to me

[Paul Beaurain]

Hi Guys
Thanks Polwart and Doug for the notes.
Yes interestingly they (the hirer) frequently go to NI. So he too agreed that the clause is daft. Possibly carried forward from the days of the troubles etc.
The Hirer will confirm with his insurer - but does'nt see a problem.

Largs is the base for hireing (or Fairlie Quay)

All now sorted we hope -
Paul