Norfolk Broads Yacht Club and Broads Authority reach agreement
Norfolk Broads Yacht Club has withdrawn its petition against the Broads Authority Bill after reaching agreement with the Broads Authority over the licensing and registration of boats in adjacent waters.
The club has been the only boating organisation to petition against the Bill because of its unique position on the privately owned Wroxham Broad. The club leases the broad from the Trafford Estate, and it does not form part of the 'navigation area' for which the Broads Authority is responsible.
However, the Bill contains an important set of safety provisions that extends the requirement for certain categories of boat to have a Boat Safety Certificate and third party insurance on to waters connected to the navigation area.
David Talbot, Vice-Commodore of the Club, said:
“The Norfolk Broads Yacht Club supports the proposals in the Broads Authority Bill to improve safety and in particular to extend some of the key safety provisions on to waters directly connected to the navigation area. However, we had some concerns about how it would impact on our activities at Wroxham Broad, particularly on the smaller sailing dinghies.
“The Club and the Authority both want to encourage more young people to take to the water and we have now agreed how the 'adjacent waters’ provisions will be implemented to the club’s satisfaction, hence its decision to withdraw the petition.”
The House of Lords Committee, which will examine the Bill, convenes on Monday 19 January. The Authority is hoping that, as there is now no opposition from a boating organisation, the Bill will receive Royal Assent by the end of March 2009.
It is anticipated that one of the key provisions, the licensing by the Authority of hired craft, will start in April 2010. This will allow time for joint working with the local industry on the practical issues for the licensing regime.
Stephen Johnson, Chair of the Broads Authority said: “I am glad that we have now agreed with the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club how the Bill's safety provisions will apply to Wroxham Broad. This is an important and welcome step, which will improve safety for all users of The Broads.”
09/01/2009
