Heritage Afloat
News
The Royal Institution of Naval Architects
HISTORIC SHIPS CONFERENCE
The Royal Institution of Naval Architects
21 - 22 February 2007 - London, UK
There are a huge number of historic ships that are in need of
restoration/preservation. Several organisations exist, who aim to preserve these ships for
the benefit of future generations.
This conference is aimed at exploring the technical and engineering issues
involved in the construction, preservation and restoration of historic vessels
from large passenger ships and warships to coastal and inland waterway
craft, and of all nationalities and of local, national or international
importance.
Heritage Afloat Press Day, 9 March 2006
On board classic yacht Lilian, Lambeth Pier.
In association with the Residential Boat Owners Association, Heritage Afloat recently held a press day to raise awareness of its campaign to make heritage vessels exempt from navigation charges and diesel fuel tax:
Why abolish cruising licence fees, harbour dues and light dues?
Craft needing licences/fees/dues to navigate often become immobile as maintenance costs escalate. This isolates such boats from the wider public who cannot travel to see them, whilst the skills of operating them are also being lost.
If cruising licences and moorings were free, vessels would still have to be registered and meet appropriate safety regulations (with their associated costs), but freedom from these fees would be a significant annual concession for both inland and sea-going vessels.
HA urges port and waterway authorities (as well as councils and property developers) to reduce or abolish mooring fees for heritage boats, given that they enhance the tourist and environmental attraction of their waters. Vessels travelling to or from international festivals and rallies often receive free moorings (e.g. in France) which matches Heritage Afloat?s aims to keep craft on the water.
Subsidy would compensate for the costs of keeping vessels in an active and attractive state.
Why keep marine diesel fuel cheap for heritage boats?
Some of the world's earliest diesel engines are found in old boats, together with oil-fired heating systems devised to use the same fuels. Dr Diesel himself designed his first engines to run on a variety of bio-fuels, and they proved efficient and long-lived. Traditional narrow-boat diesel engines and tugs are maintained as functional working exhibits, and the distinctive sound of the single-cylinder diesel is unique.
European countries provide subsidised fuel and lubricants for their commercial fishing fleets, but these are not usually available for recreational boats. Central heating oil is treated with red dye to identify it, and boat fuel tanks are inspected and fined if found to contain dye.
Craft with old diesel engines often become less mobile when fuel costs get too expensive for their travelling specification. They would still need to comply with pollution regulations and safety certificates, but freedom from diesel fuel tax would make a significant difference.
Motor Vehicle precedents
Cars built before 1972 currently pay zero Road Fund Tax. The chosen date appears to have been 20 years prior to the legislation, and has not been extended since. Cars with disabled stickers are able to use special parking spaces designated for the purpose. Providing these concessions requires no new money.
Despite a dramatic electrical storm, the press day was a success and was well attended by representatives from a variety of maritime organisations.
Scott Pereira's classic yacht Lilian looked magnificent moored opposite the Houses of Parliament and made an excellent example for the lobby against high taxation on fuel.
The issue of mooring concessions for historic vessels met with particular interest from Vince Cable MP as many of his Surrey constituents are residential boat owners.
For pictures of the day, please visit the Heritage Afloat Image Library.