There are 4 types of boat registration in the UK:
For private yachts up to 24 meters, Part 1 or Part 3 is possible for registration. Part 3 is rather simplified for British citizens who permanently reside in the UK. But even the British are more likely to choose Part 1, as this type gives more opportunities.
and Call Sign
Registration of Pleasure Yachts
up to 24 Metres – Part 1
We specialize in the registration of private yachts up to 24 meters in the EU, Turkey, UAE.
The yacht registration process in the UK is divided into steps below.
1 Step: Question Form
Registration starts with a questionnaire that we ask to fill out in order to understand the possibility of registration of the UK flag. In this form it is necessary to tell what is your passport, what is your yacht, how old it is, where it is located or whether it was registered before, etc. We will help you fill out the questionnaire.
If we see that it would be a problem to register in UK, we’ll suggest you other decent alternatives. If we see no difficulties, we can move on.
2 Step: Documents Required from You
1. Documents confirming the ownership of the yacht, such as Bill of Sale, Sales Agreement, Invoice, for new boats – the Builders Certificate.
It is required to show the history of ownership of the boat over the past 5 years.
2. Yacht Documents: CE Certificate of the yacht, Yacht Manual and etc.
3. Deletion Certificate issued by previous yacht register, if the boat was registered earlier.
4. A completed application for obtaining a Radio License where it is necessary to list all radio devices on your yacht, license or certificate of the radio operator, and information about the previous radio license (if there was one). We will help you fill out the application.
5. A copy of the passport of the yacht owner (page with photo) or ID card.
6. Proof of Address of the yacht owner. For example, Utility Bill for electricity, water or gas, which contains full name and the address of the owner of a yacht.
Those documents that are not in English should be translated into English and duly notarized
7. Photos of the yacht:
- bow, stern, left or right side of the boat, its name,
- Photo of Hull Identification Number (HIN),
- Photo of the Engine Serial No.
3 Step: Tonnage Survey + Provisional Registration
To register Part 1, the yacht must do a survey for tonnage and measurement. This can be done by the surveyor approved by the UK nautical authorities.
To make the Tonnage Survey fast and duly, it would be better to use a surveyor that we recommend. To do this, you need to agree the date and time of the arrival of the specialist on your yacht. The Tonnage Survey is included in the registration price, but the departure of the surveyor is paid additionally. The cost varies from 500 to 1500 pounds, including transfer, accommodation and food per day. One day is enough for tonnage and measurement.
After attending the Tonnage Survey by our specialist, you get a provisional registration within 48 hours for a period of 3 months, which allows to go to sea.
Also, all forms for obtaining a permanent registration and radio license will be supplied to the UK Ship Register.
4 Step: Marking of the Vessel
At the beginning of registration, you’ll have to give 4 options of your yacht’s name and to choose the Port of Registry. London is usually chosen, but other ports can be considered as well – Manchester, Liverpool, etc., the choice is wide.
SEE ALL PORTS OF REGISTRY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
When the name of the yacht and the Port of Registry are approved, the UK Ship Register gives Carving and Marking Note.
To receive the British flag, it is necessary to duly apply the name of the boat, the port of registry, registration number, tonnage and so forth, on the hull of the yacht.
According to the requirements of the UK Ship Register, the lettering should be in certain parts, of a special size and color.
We will help you choose the company that marks the vessels.
Yacht Ownership within the UK Company
At the moment, Great Britain enacts tough regulation in formation and maintenance of UK companies. The authorities crackdown on mass registration addresses, introduce the automatic exchange of tax information between countries and disclose the data of ultimate beneficiaries.
You should consider carefully the yacht ownership through UK company, as there may be tax consequences both in the UK and in your country.
We recommend to involve an auditor or a licensed accountant. The yacht must be duly incorporated as the property of the company, disclosed in the financial statements, all taxes and government fees must be paid.
Registration of a yacht with a UK company is possible in strict compliance with the tax laws of your country. The tax authorities of your country should be aware of the presence of the UK company and its assets, including the yacht.
Commercial Yachts and Yachts Over 24 Meters
If your boat is longer than 24 meters, the ITC69 Tonnage Certificate is additionally needed.
If your boat is used for commercial purposes, Coding Certificate by the Surveyor is required, as well as any of business license.
Yachts for commercial use or yachts over 24 meters demand an individual attention. The bigger the vessel, the more inquiries. Contact us, we will review your case.
More Information
British Merchant Navy is top ten largest in the world, competing with Panama, Singapore, China, and the Marshall Islands all the time.
The registration of British flags goes on with the UK Ship Register (UKSR), that is part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Yachts registered in the UK do not have to physically visit the UK.
Registration of the ship radio license, MMSI and callsign are issued by OFCOM. The radio license is valid for a lifetime.
To register Part 1, you have to show the vessel ownership history for the last 5 years. In other words, you must have all the certificates and documents confirming the ownership of the yacht for the last 5 years.
If the yacht owner is not a resident of the UK, then you’ll need a Representative Person, who’s details are mentioned in the registration forms. In our situation, that is our UK partner who accompanies the flag registration.
Registering a British flag is a complex process. But, it's worth it! Just ask!
Interesting Facts
After the famous Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, Great Britain became the absolute naval hegemon and ships of other countries lowered their flags when saw a British vessel.
The UK has a rich history of piracy. For example, the captain of the “Black Pearl” in the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” – Francis Drake, did exist. He was a pirate, as well as a navigator, explorer and politician. Drake led the expedition to the Pacific coast of America, where he captured Spanish ships with gold and silver.
Back in the 18th century in England there was a royal position – the Official Unlocker of Ocean Bottles with letters. Only appointed person was allowed to open and read bottle messages, as they could contain top secret or important information about state affairs. Those who dared to open the bottle after all were threatened with death.
Why do the British drive on the left? One theory says that this tradition came to Britain from sea rules, when one ship had to give way to another one, which was approaching from the right side.
Summary of UK Flag
of the World
Additional Payment
and Reputation
MMSI and Call Sign
in 48 Hours for 3 Months
after 5 years
of Commercial Yachts
for Yachts up to 24 Meters