AS PART of its service to leisure boaters, RYA monitors issues which could affect the cruising community through three UK committees: the Cruising and General Affairs Committee, the Offshore and Coastal Committee, and the Planning and Environmental Committee.

Scotland's devolved government has a separate legal system and many marine and inland water issues are determined in Edinburgh. These include all issues legislated for in the new Scottish Marine Act, and Coast Protection Act relating to navigation and safety at sea in Scottish waters. In addition, Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services, which includes Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, has a role equivalent to that of Natural England and the Environment Agency in England. Historic Scotland is the equivalent of English Heritage. The activities of all these agencies impinge on recreational boating. Furthermore, the Land Reform Act with its rights of responsible access is unique in the UK to Scotland.

For these reasons the RYA Scotland Cruising and General Purposes Committee has a wide remit, and calls upon the knowledge of a group of experienced boaters from around Scotland. Using local expertise, this covers the work of the RYA UK committees so far as Scottish issues are concerned. We have a team of volunteer coast watchers who provide expert local advice on issues that affect their areas. They cover the entire coastline of Scotland including the islands.

In addition, RYA Scotland works closely with the RYA Planning and Environmental Committee in matters such as the development of renewable energy systems that have UK wide implications. PEC also has Scottish volunteers who provide expert support.

RYAS is consulted by the Scottish Government, the Crown Estate, Local Authorities and other non-governmental bodies such as SNH, Historic Scotland, and the Northern Lighthouse Board on a range of issues from planning applications arising from the Coast Protection Act to proposed changes in Aids to Navigation. In a nutshell we are consulted whenever there is a proposal for development which could affect our use of an area. Fish farm changes or extensions, new moorings, alterations or renewal of piers and harbours, and renewable energy schemes, such as wave power or wind turbines, are among the issues affecting marine boaters. Alterations to nature reserve boundaries is an issue which can affect inland boaters. To put this in perspective our Coast Watchers commented on over 200 issues during 2006 and the number shows no sign of falling.

It is rare for us to object to such developments but if we feel a change may adversely affect leisure boating, then we will do so vigorously. While we are not always successful, the fact that we do not object for the sake of it stands in our favour.

In addition, we are well represented on MCA safety committees and at Coastal Forum discussions and other similar events where the interests of boaters may be affected.

RYAS submits evidence to and is consulted by Marine Scotland, the Directorate of the Scottish Government responsible for integrating scientific research, compliance monitoring, policy and management of Scotland's seas. Evidence is usually submitted through the Scottish Boating Alliance (SBA), a body formed expressly to represent all boating interests to the Scottish Government, and to publicise the economic worth of the boating sector. Boaters are often ignored by local and national authorities and there is a failure to appreciate the significance of our contribution to the economy, but SBA is beginning to reverse that situation.

Currently (2010) this work is focused on the Scottish Marine Bill, which is currently being enacted by the Scottish Parliament. For the future, RYAS is represented through SBA on the Marine Strategy Forum, which has been formed to advise Marine Scotland on all aspects of marine activity. Another focus of our attention may be a future government's aspiration to create Marine and Coastal National Parks.

RYAS is consulted on matters such as Strategic Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments for developments such as marine renewables that can impact on recreational sailors. RYAS also adopts a proactive position with regard to the implementation of legislation such as the Water Framework Directive and the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act.