Using red diesel for boats in line with British regulations

When powering your boat, the choice of fuel can be an important consideration. Whether your boat is for personal or commercial use, you will need to make sure that you are using the right type of fuel to meet your requirements, and to stay in line with regulations. Red diesel is a type of fuel that is available for use for boats, and has a reduced tax rate, which makes this very appealing. However, there are a number of considerations to bear in mind for using red diesel for boats in line with British regulations.

What are the considerations for using red diesel for boats in line with British regulations?

Red diesel is used across the UK in a wide range of industries, including fishing, agriculture, and transportation. However, the use of this is strictly governed by the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979. Under this act, red diesel is a marked gas oil and as such, has a reduced rate of tax because it is designated for non-road use. As part of the non-road use, red diesel can be used legally for maritime transport, as the reduced tax rate is intended to support industries such as fishing, agriculture, and transportation. But how can red diesel be used for boats, in line with the regulations and standards? Well, there are several factors to consider, including:

  • Restrictions for use
  • Private and commercial use
  • Penalties

Restrictions for use of red diesel in boats

While boat owners are allowed to use red diesel, there are restrictions on when this fuel can be used. The law stipulates that red diesel can only be used for fueling a private boat if the vessel is being used solely for navigation or recreational purposes, and not for commercial activities. In addition, red diesel cannot be used for additional purposes such as heating. This means that boat owners must ensure that the fuel is solely used to power the movement of the boat during recreational trips, and not for commercial use. 

Private and commercial use

There is a challenge for this regulation to be enforced, as it can be difficult to distinguish between the private and commercial use of red diesel. To make sure that your boat follows the regulations effectively, an additional tank can be used for heating purposes, which clearly shows your compliance with the regulations. This also prevents the red diesel being used accidentally for non-navigational purposes.

Penalties

There are strict and significant penalties for non-compliance with red diesel regulations. These include fines and even the potential seizure of the vessel. It is therefore crucial for boat owners to be aware of and adhere to the regulations governing the use of red diesel. Many marinas and fuel suppliers provide clear guidelines to help boat owners understand their obligations and responsibilities in this regard.

Here at Compass Fuel Oils, we are the UK’s leading provider of fuel oils like red diesel and AdBlue, as well as home heating oil. For more information about delivery within 1-3 days, barrel deliveries, or installing fuel monitors, get in touch with the leading experts today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Deliveries

  • What areas do you deliver to?

    We deliver to most regions in the UK. To check if we service your area, please use our delivery postcode checker or contact our support team 01772 619 461 

  • What is the minimum order quantity for delivery?

    The minimum order quantity varies depending on the fuel type. For most orders, it is 500 litres, but smaller deliveries may be available upon request for example barrels of 205l fuel.

  • How long does delivery take?

    Standard deliveries typically take 3–5 working days. We also offer express delivery options for urgent orders.

  • What should I do if my tank is overfilled or damaged during delivery?

    Please report any issues to our customer service team immediately. We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly.

  • Can I change or cancel my delivery?

    Yes, you can modify or cancel your delivery by contacting us at least 24 hours before the scheduled delivery time.

  • Do you charge a delivery fee?

    Standard delivery is included in the fuel price for most orders. Express deliveries or orders below the minimum quantity may incur additional fees.

  • What types of vehicles are used for delivery?

    We use a fleet of fuel tankers suitable for residential, commercial, and agricultural deliveries. For restricted access locations, we may send a smaller vehicle.

  • What if my delivery is delayed?

    While we strive to deliver on time, delays can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If your delivery is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.

  • What should I do to prepare for a delivery?

    Ensure your tank is easily accessible, remove any obstructions, and secure pets or gates. If your tank has a lock, please make sure it is unlocked.

  • How will I know when my delivery will arrive?

    You will receive a notification with an estimated delivery date once your order is confirmed. On the day of delivery, our driver may contact you directly.

  • Do I need to be present during the delivery?

    In most cases, you don’t need to be present as long as your tank is accessible and ready for filling.

  • What happens if I’m not available during the delivery?

    If you’re not available, our driver can deliver the fuel to your tank as long as it is accessible and safe to do so. If access is restricted, we will contact you to reschedule.

  • Can I schedule my delivery?

    Absolutely. You can choose a preferred delivery date during the order process. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

  • Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?

    Yes, same-day and next-day delivery options are available in select areas. Additional charges may apply.

Payments

  • What currency are payments processed in?

    Payments are processed in GBP (British Pounds). If you are paying from outside the UK, your bank may apply conversion fees.

  • Is my payment information secure?

    Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption and secure payment gateways to protect your payment details.

  • Can I request an extension on my payment due date?

    Yes, payment extensions may be available upon request. Please contact our billing team to discuss options.

  • Do you offer refunds?

    Refunds are processed in accordance with our refund policy. Please contact our support team for further assistance.

  • How can I update my payment details?

    You can update your payment details by contacting our customer service team. 

  • Can I split my payment across multiple methods?

    Unfortunately, we do not support splitting payments across multiple methods at this time.

  • What should I do if my payment is declined?

    If your payment is declined, double-check your payment details and try again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or our support team for assistance.

  • How do I receive my invoice or receipt?

    Invoices and receipts are sent to your registered email address or by letter.

  • Is there a surcharge for using a credit card?

    No, we do not charge additional fees for payments made using a credit card.

  • Do you offer credit terms for businesses?

    Yes, we provide credit terms for eligible business customers. Please contact our sales team to discuss account setup and terms.

  • Can I set up a direct debit or recurring payment?

    Yes, you can set up direct debit or recurring payments to ensure timely and hassle-free billing.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers. For business customers, we also offer account-based billing.

  • I paid for my order by card, I received less fuel than I paid for due to the tank being full, what happens now?

    We have a couple of options available, we can refund your payment card, this takes 3-5 working days from the date we process your refund. Alternatively, we can leave the credit sat on your account and adjust this amount from the payment for your next order.