Alll yachtsmen are being asked, by the RYA, to register their views on paying light dues as the Department for Transport consider new ways of charging for them.

The Goverment claims buoys, lighthouses and beacons etc cost 73 million pounds sterling a year to maintain. And Trinity House feel all users of these navigational aids, including pleasure boats, should pay for them.

The RYA argues that small boat users, which do not leave harbours or rivers, already pay for the aids they use to their local harbour authority. As for the offshore aids they say the ships that use them are commercial and that it would amount to a ‘tax on a hobby.’

To have your say go to www.DTLR.gov.uk and click on consultation, then shipping, then light dues review.