The issue has divided the UK, dominated the news agenda and prompted debate from the high street to the Houses of Parliament, and in the referendum on 23 June 2016, the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU).

What happens next?

Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union establishes the procedures for a member state to withdraw from the EU. Once that is invoked, Britain will have a two-year window in which to negotiate a new treaty to replace the terms of EU membership.

The UK must first notify the European Council of its intention to withdraw. The council will then be required to provide guidelines for the conclusion of an agreement setting out the arrangements for the UK’s withdrawal.

The agreement will be negotiated, taking into account the UK’s future relationship with the EU.  The agreement will be concluded on behalf of the EU by the Council, having obtained the European Parliament’s consent.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) says it is important to note that there will not be a change to legislation or trading arrangements for at least two years. We will not know how significant the decision to leave the EU will be until we have a clearer idea of the terms the UK negotiates for its continued relationship with the EU.

In the meantime, UK citizens remain EU citizens, the UK remains in the EU for VAT and Customs purposes and there should be little noticeable difference when sailing between the UK and other EU countries.

What will Brexit mean for boating?

Many of the regulatory challenges currently faced by British recreational boaters have an EU dimension – such as red diesel, border controls, invasive non-native species, biocides, and European marine protected areas. The British exit from the EU might have an impact on all of these issues, but the nature and extent of that impact remain unclear following the vote.

There is also a wide range of issues affecting boating that do not currently have an EU dimension. For example, the requirement for qualifications when you go overseas is generally specified in national legislation, and is nothing to do with the EU.

Domestic UK issues such as national marine protected areas (including MCZs), offshore renewable energy installations, carriage and disposal of flares, lifejackets, light dues, and alcohol limits, are unlikely to be affected by the outcome of the referendum.

RYA role

The RYA has an important role to play in lobbying European institutions to ensure that boaters may do so with the minimum of regulatory interference.

A spokesman said: ‘We will continue to engage with the relevant Government departments in an effort to minimise any impact on recreational boaters. It’s worth noting in this context that the European Boating Association is a Europe-wide (not an EU-wide) organisation, as is the UN Economic Commission for Europe (which created the ICC).

‘Whatever the UK’s future relationship with Europe, we will work hard to ensure that recreational boating is as unfettered as possible. During the forthcoming negotiations and transition period, we will keep members updated and advise them on how their boating activities may be affected.

‘We will also continue to ensure that legislators, regulators and other authorities understand, and take account of, recreational boating activity.

‘If RYA members have any questions, please feel free to contact us.’

British Marine statement

As a membership organisation representing more than1,600 different members, British Marine has always remained neutral on the decision to leave or remain as part of the European Union (EU).

The result of the ‘Brexit’ referendum has shown that the majority of the British public who voted wish to leave and during the forthcoming transition period, British Marine will inform and advise all its members and represent the interests of the industry to Government.

It is important for members to note that EU legislation and trading arrangements will still apply whilst the Government negotiates the withdrawal agreement with the EU, which is expected to take a minimum of two years.

British Marine will continue to ensure our members are informed about the implications for their businesses and will do so in representing industry concerns to Government throughout this transitional period.