CLEARANCE PROCEDURE: SAILING TO ENGLAND AND BACK

Sunday 19 March saw the first information meeting for the HRC Trip to Chatham and London in 2024.
During this well-attended meeting, perfectly organised by Commissioner South Bernard Stockman, a large number of practical matters were discussed, about which more soon.

One such matter concerned the cumbersome clearance procedure caused by the Brexit.
Fortunately, this has recently been simplified and is not only valid for the HRC Trip but already applicable should you already want to sail the UK with your Hallberg-Rassy this season:

Clearing procedure : Pleasure Craft Reporting Service

The UK Border Force has simplified the clearance procedure.
Pleasure Craft Reporting (sPCR) can now be done entirely electronically via the web.
Previously, you had to complete a C1331 document and send it by post to the UK Border Force and the National Yachtline. Either you had to fill in the e-C1331 Excel file and mail it to both agencies.
Now this can be done very simply and user-friendly via the web: www.spcr.homeoffice.gov.uk

You must submit one sPCR application per vessel: this for both the outward and return journey.
The following details are requested:
– Vessel: registration number, MMSI, call sign, UK VAT paid (no), home port (usual mooring)
– Voyage particulars: port of departure (date, time), port of arrival (date, time)
– Personal details of all persons on board: surname, first names, sex, date of birth, place of birth, voyage pass number, date of issue, expiry date
– Goods to be declared

Make sure you have your passport with you.

The sPCR service works on computer, laptop, tablet and smartphone.
After registering via the website: https://www.spcr.homeoffice.gov.uk
you will receive a link to confirm your account.
You can then enter the details very easily and save them as a provisional travel plan.
You can do this well in advance.
Before submitting your final travel plan, you can still make changes.
24 hours to 2 hours before departure to or from the UK, you submit the itinerary.
Should there be any changes en route (destination or ETA), you must submit these changes as soon as possible (internet connection required).

Yellow Q flag

Within the UK 12-mile zone, you must fly the Yellow Q flag (under the starboard willing) as long as you are not officially cleared. After that, hoist the British guest flag.

National Yachtline

The National Yachtline (0300 123 2012) you don’t need to phone, unless you can’t make last-minute changes electronically.

Useful links:

Border Force:  www.spcr.homeoffice.gov.uk
Guidance Sailing pleasure craft to and from the UK:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/sailing-a-leisure-craft-to-and-from-the-uk
Submit a Pleasure Craft Report (sPCR) partner pack:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1099111/6.7850_BF_Pleasure_craft_reporting_Partner_pack_v8a.pdf