Heinz F. Adorf, Head of the Driving Licenses / Training Centers Section in the German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV) confirms in a statement essential aspects of the course of the safety conference on April 6, 2006 in the Bonn Ministry of Transport as described in the YACHT.
There, “after the presentations, the participants asked for various solutions to increase safety at sea”, and further: “Some of these suggestions then appeared in the minutes under“Resolutions”. We admittedly underestimated the effect, not only have we always assumed that the security conference is not a decision-making body."
The Federal Government refers, among other things, to these resolutions in its current considerations on the introduction of various equipment and registration obligations as well as restrictions on the recreational boat license for the lake. The government attributes all of these projects to an allegedly increased safety risk in water sports. Adorf explains: “It remains to be said that, due to the number of accidents in water sports, we definitely have no safety problem. We will reject … any further regulations and tightening of the current driving license requirements:
- No restriction of the recreational boat license lake to sea waters yet to be determined: The suggestion of a restriction was and is to be regarded as an individual opinion and contradicts the opinion of the DMYV and DSV associations present. However, we underestimated the scope of this expression of opinion (see above). - No mandatory equipment requirement in the pleasure craft area, instead an equipment recommendation according to the waters to be navigated: Ensuring sufficient equipment according to the sailing area is part of a good sea crew and is incumbent on the duties of care and personal responsibility of the skipper. Regulations are rejected. "
The DMYV also rejects the proposals made by a working group dealing with the dismantling of regulations. Among other things, this group suggested combining sea and inland driving licenses and introducing mandatory labeling for yachts on sea lanes - Adorf added: “The previous labeling with ship's name and home port is perfectly adequate, also for search purposes. A central register opens the door to further desires."
The statements show a clear U-turn by the motor yacht association. The DMYV is not only dissociating itself from the resolutions of the security conference, in which it participated with three delegates at the time. The current statement is also completely contrary to the statement in an earlier statement signed by the DMYV and DSV, among others, in which the labeling requirement in the maritime area was expressly advocated.