Vega Registration in EU

[matesinko]

Dear Sailors,

Can European owners please help here. I am trying to get an offshore
(unlimited seamile) registration to my lately bought Vega, within
European Union. As the boat did not have this before, I was told that
I have to obtain a "Certification according to 97/25/EC" from
Germanischer Lloyd (one possible party to issue this). The procedure
is quiet expensive (need to submit drawings, stability calculations,
etc.). I can hardly believe that this is the only way as Vega is so
popular and many sail the oceans ....

Any hits / advises would be highly appreciated how to obtain a
registration that enables me to sail my boat accross oceans ... and
enter any faraway country's harbor office...with perfect papers.

Many thanks
Máté Sinkó
sinko.mate@...

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi

If you can prove that your Vega was in the EEC on 30th Decemebr 1991 (If Sweden, Denmark etc then it is Dec 1993) and that the boat was built prior to 1984/5 (No problem with Vegas as all are built pre 1979) then the UK Customes & Excise gives VAT dispensation. All VAGB Members who have purchased a Vega abroad etc get a letter from VAGB stating this VAT Dispensation. Have a search on the Website of HM Customs & Excise and it is there somewhere. I have pasted the relevant passage below. It comes from Notice 8 (Sailing your pleasure craft to and from the UK). Hope this helps.

6.3 What documents will be required to provide proof of the VAT status on a used

vessel?

EU residents should only use a vessel in the Community if it is VAT paid or 'deemed' VAT

paid. Documentary evidence supporting this should be carried at all times as you may be

asked by customs officials in other Member States to provide evidence of your vessel's

VAT status. Documentary evidence might include:

original invoice or receipt;

evidence that VAT was paid at importation; and/or

invoices for materials used in the construction of a 'Home-Built' vessel.

A registration document on its own does not prove the VAT status of the vessel, as there is

no link in the UK between the registry of the vessel and the payment of VAT. If you have

difficulty in providing the information, you should contact our National Advice Service.

Certain vessels that were in use as private pleasure craft prior to 1 January 1985 and were

in the EU on 31 December 1992, may be deemed VAT paid under the Single Market

transitional arrangements. As Austria, Finland and Sweden joined the EU later, the

relevant dates for vessels in these countries are 'in use' before 1 January 1987 and

moored in EU on 31 December 1994.

Kind RegardsSteve Birch