[70 x 11ft Widebeam]

 

This really is a can of worms! We looked into this quite extensively before we bought as we nearly bought a dutch barge in Holland, but the TRIWV put us off. Basically, though I think there is nothing to worry about if it is a new boat - the regulations (if they ever come into being applied to the UK and Ireland) are really aimed at old boats which have little or no safety spec.

 

TRIWV is far simpler than most people think and forms a common safety standard across mainland Europe. See http://www.barges-srf.co.uk/2.htm for a simple explanation. To go on the Rhine, the more stringent Rhine regulations apply; these are complex but unnecessary for many boaters. It is very unlikely that the UK will ever adopt TRIWV as the nature of the UK inland waterways is very different to those on the mainland.

 

Pete

[CEvni certificate or equivalent]

PS - To give you an idea what it's like, you'll find examples of the PP test questions here and a complete sample test here. In French, which is the only catch!

 

Pete

[CEvni certificate or equivalent]

Could someone please advise us with regard to Cevni. Apparently a Cevni certificate is required in addition to an ICC. An ICC can only be taken if one is British and a resident of UK.

 

If one is South African what does one do to obtain a Cevni or is there an equivalant certificate for other nationalities. My husband was a Master on commercial vessels (expired) He now holds a certificate for up to 25 ton commercial seagoing vessels etc. This was issues by SAMSA - South African Maritime Safety Association (Dept of Transport)

 

No one seems to be able to assist us. The RYA, while helpful does not issue the above to non Brits.

 

Do hope someone can assist. What do Americans, Canadians, Aussies etc do?

 

As the ICC/CEVNI is principally required in France/Holland/Germany (and not in the UK), I suggest taking the French Permis Plaisance (PP) which includes CEVNI and is accepted by Holland and Germany. The ICC itself is not essential but is the easiest route for UK citizens to qualify to cruise on European mainland waterways. See http://www.bargehandling.com/ for English-language training and more information.

 

Pete

[winter fuel payment ??]

If you are not 60 before the 30th March then you will not get it this year.

 

It's better than that! See here for the whole story.

 

"Do I qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment?

 

You should qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment for the winter of 2008/09 if, during the qualifying week of 15-21 September 2008, you were:

 

* aged 60 or over and

* normally living in Great Britain or Northern Ireland

 

Payments may continue if you leave or have left the United Kingdom and are living in another EEA country." [see here]

 

"If you need to make a claim for a payment for winter 2008/09, you should return your claim form on or before 30 March 2009"

 

Pete

[winter fuel payment ??]

Thanks all for replies, a bit clearer now & I do have a couple of years to go yet, I do know what you mean about the move towards women not getting pension till 65 smelly - as I was born 1950 I just get in for drawing state pension at 60

 

You're currently entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment from age 60, NOT from state pension age But you have to claim it if you're not getting a pension It comes automatically with the state pension

 

See here

 

Pete