The first of the articles when it was understood to be EU regulations that had hit Tom Machin’s boats but this was later clarified as actually being a British interpretation of the rules…

A PLEASURE BOAT which helped evacuate troops from Dunkirk during the Second World War could be prevented from making regular return trips to Whitby because of European bureaucracy.

The MV Coronia, one of Scarborough’s popular tourist attractions, has been granted a European Class C Licence – a legal requirement for passenger vessels – which limits it to round trips of 30 nautical miles, all within three miles offshore.

But the distance to Whitby is 17 nautical miles which places it two nautical miles further than the maximum distance the MV Coronia could travel.

Bosses are now fighting to save the Scarborough-based operation and are assessing whether it remains viable.

Under the old system a British certificate also placed a 30 nautical mile limit but officers from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency were allowed to add a couple of extra nautical miles at their discretion.

Tom Machin, Coronia’s 59-year-old owner, said at present he was only able to run trips just short of Whitby and was unable to allow passengers ashore.

He said: “She battled her way into Dunkirk but now she’s not allowed to go to Whitby! At the moment we can run from Scarborough Lighthouse to Whitby Bell Bouy. We can only run for 15 nautical miles and then we have to turn round and come back to Scarborough.”

Mr Machin said the old certificate, a British Class Six, allowed a two-mile extension. He said: “It’s still the same agency but for some reason they have to do it under the European guidelines.”

He added he had already set up a petition to try to save the regular trip to Whitby and also the one to Bridlington made by the Regal Lady – Coronia’s sister boat.

Mr Machin estimated 95,000 passengers had travelled between Scarborough and Whitby since the Coronia arrived in 1992.

The Coronia has just had a major refit where the original £40,000 estimate spiralled after 15 small holes were discovered in the hull.

Mr Machin said: “If the harbour was without Coronia it would be too bad. It wouldn’t be the same without her.”

Ron Wade, 67, who lives in Scarborough’s Old Town, was waiting to board Coronia and he could not believe what he had heard. He said: “They are just going too far now.”

Steve Hollingworth, Scarborough Council’s head of tourism and leisure, contacted the Maritime and Coastguard Agency when he heard of Coronia’s plight to see if there was any form of appeal.

He said: “If they come back and say ‘no’ then the Coronia will have to have a higher level of licence for health and safety. This will be a higher cost in terms of safety and design on the boat.”

From The Scarborough Evening News on Monday, July 30, 2007.