MYBA: Positive Result On Declaration of Cabotage

MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association is committed to working closely with other industry bodies and with government authorities at national and international levels to ensure that the superyacht industry is treated in a fair and positive manner, both legally and fiscally. The Association devotes a significant amount of time and resources to acquiring information on developing issues and to representing the industry’s interests in these matters. 

It therefore comes as no surprise that a new piece of French legislation quickly came to MYBA’s attention at the end of last year. Known as the ‘Décret Etat d’Accueil’, it required yachts undertaking charters in French territorial waters to submit a declaration of cabotage that included details of crew employment and social security arrangements on board. To say that the proposed procedures would have been detrimental to commercial yachts chartering in French waters would be an understatement. 

The news prompted the immediate reaction of MYBA, who contacted the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), and it was not long before other industry associations ECPY, GEPY, PYA and IYM were also on board, along with MYBA’s French legal counsel, Ince & Co.  An initial meeting was soon arranged with the pertinent French maritime authorities. Numerous email exchanges and a second meeting with other government representatives allowed the authorities to better understand the superyacht industry and the harm that the new legislation would cause. 

Our efforts finally paid off and we are extremely pleased to announce that the French authorities have agreed to remove a large portion of the yachting sector from its Décret Etat d’Accueil legislation.  With immediate effect, commercial yachts that comply with the new '70% rule' (and can produce a statement to this effect) will not be required to submit a Cabotage Declaration. 

MYBA would like to express its gratitude to all involved in achieving this extremely positive result, with a special thank you to Franck Dosne, Director of the Ports of Cannes & Nice for his tireless efforts. This positive result highlights the effectiveness of cross-association cooperation and the power of joint lobbying. 

We are stronger when we work together!