Not so. The RYA does not say that a LR is essential. If you refer to the RYA booklet which I mentioned in an earlier post you will see what the RYA recommends.

The RNLI does not either. When you get a Sea Check done by them (You've had yours done I hope. Anyone who hasn't is being reckless with their family

) the Check list clearly does not indicate that the RNLI regards a LR as essential for coastal boating)

No one is saying that a LR is not desirable. They are saying that it is not essential in all cases. There are other things which are more important and it is foolish for anyone to pin all their hopes on a LR. The whole of the safety regime (sorry to sound like a H&S guru) on a boat needs looking at; equipment, training, experience of crew, type of craft, sailing areas, etc etc.

There are many life threatening things which could happen on a boat for which a LR would be no use whatsoever. Have you got all those covered?