UK boater fined for red diesel
Risk remains of heavy fines from Belgian authorities if you’re found with red diesel in your fuel tanks.
PBO and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have received a report from a boater who has been fined r500 for having traces of red diesel in the fuel tank after an inspection by Belgian customs in Nieuwpoort. Maurice Phillips and his wife had been enjoying a six-week cruise on their Hunter Channel 31 Blue Diamond. They were en route to their home berth at Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne when Belgian customs boarded the UK-flagged boat on 26 June at the KYCN Marina and, in addition to checking paperwork, examined a sample of fuel, which was found to contain traces of red diesel.
Maurice said: ‘This sample was slightly tinged pink, which we thought would be acceptable. Sadly not, and we were fined
r500. We explained that red diesel is the only fuel available to boats in the UK, but were told other English boats had clean tanks and it was for us to clean our tank before entering Belgian waters.’
An RYA spokesperson said: ‘We do not know whether this fine was an isolated incident or a signal that Belgian authorities are taking a tougher approach towards UK-flagged boats. We urge anyone who is fined in Belgium for having red diesel in their tanks to email boating.abroad@rya. org.uk, giving as much detail as possible.’