Website of the UK government

Guide to registration

If you are not sure what type of registration you need, or would like more information on how to register your boat, you may want to read our article on Registering your pleasure craft.

If you would like to find out more about the requirements for a pleasure craft, including how to renew your registration, change port/name or transfer ownership of your boat, read the article on Owning a registered pleasure craft.

• Registering your pleasure craft

• Owning a registered pleasure craft

Forms for registration

You can download all the forms you need right here.

• Application to Register a British Ship (PDF, 20K) Opens new window

• Application to Register a British Ship over 500gt (PDF, 156KB) Opens new window

• Application for the Small Ships Register (PDF, 86K) Opens new window

• Declaration of Eligibility (PDF, 21K) Opens new window

• Title Document - Bill of Sale (PDF, 16K) Opens new window

• Builders Certificate (PDF, 11K) Opens new window

• Application for a Change of Name or Port of Choice (PDF, 18K) Opens new window

• Mortgage of a Ship to Secure Account etc/other obligation (PDF, 45K) Opens new window

• Mortgage of a Ship to Secure Principal Sum and Interest (PDF, 45K) Opens new window

• Notice of Mortgage Intent (PDF, 17K) Opens new window

• Safety Identification Scheme (CG66) (PDF, 234KB) Opens new window

• Application for a Ships Radio Licence (PDF, 657KB) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Information for registration

The links below contain information you may need when you apply to the register.

• List of Authorised Surveyors/Inspectors of Marks/Classification Societies Opens new window

• List of Ports of Choice Opens new window

Checklist for Part III registration

If you would like to register your boat on Part III of the Register you will need the following forms. Please return them by post to the Registry of Shipping and Seamen (RSS).

• Application for the Small Ships Register
• fee of £25

UK Ship Register – RSS
Anchor Court
Keen Road
Cardiff
CF24 5JW
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)29 2044 8813
Email address: ssr_registry@mcga.gov.uk

You can also register online for Part III of the Register (SSR).

• Part III registration - UK Ships Opens new window

Checklist for Part I registration

If you would like to register your boat on Part I of the Register, you will need to complete and return the following forms to the UK Ship Register – RSS. Applications can be made through email or fax in the first instance, but you will not get a Certificate of Registry until all your completed documents and fees are received.

• Application to Register a British Ship
• Declaration of Eligibility 
• Title Document - Bill of Sale
• Builders Certificate
• fee of £124

The following forms may also be needed if you intend to register a mortgage against your boat:

• Mortgage of a Ship to Secure Account Current etc/other obligation
• Mortgage of a Ship to Secure Principal Sum and Interest
• Notice of Mortgage Intent
  

Supporting documents for Part I

Along with the forms and fees listed above, you will also need to send:

• Certificate of Incorporation (if a company is applying)
• Certificate of Survey of Tonnage and Measurement
• International Tonnage Certificate ITC69 (if the boat is over 24 metres)

UK Ship Register – RSS
Anchor Court
Keen Road
Cardiff
CF24 5JW
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)29 2044 8866
Email address: part1_registry@mcga.gov.uk

You can also register online for Part I of the Register.

Original documents

All title documents used for registration must be original. If documents are in a foreign language they must be accompanied by a notarised translation and must be certified by a public notary. The documents will be endorsed and returned to you with the Certificate of Registry. 

If you cannot get the original documentation and you need to register your boat, RSS may be able to suggest alternative documentation.

• Part I registration - UK Ships Opens new window

Fees

The following is a guideline to fees for registering a pleasure craft. If you want a more detailed estimate, please contact the RSS.

Part I registration £124
Registering a mortgage £84 (subsequent mortgages £15)
Notice of mortgage intent £25
Renewal of Part I registration every five years £49
Change of ownership £80 (one bill of sale), subsequent bills of sale £15
Change of name or port £37
Transcript of registry – current entries £21
Transcript of registry – other entries £32

Part III registration £25
Renewal of Part III (SSR) registration every five years £25
Part III changes £25
Transcripts - as above

Ways to pay

Customers can pay by:

• cheque (payable to MCA)
• credit/debit card
• BACS (please contact RSS for the account number)

What to do if your boat is not a pleasure craft

If you have any concerns or questions about whether your boat is a pleasure craft, please contact the registry of Shipping and Seamen (RSS) for advice.

UK Ship Register – RSS
Anchor Court
Keen Road
Cardiff
CF24 5JW
United Kingdom

Telephone number: +44 (0)29 2044 8800
Fax number: +44 (0)29 2044 8820
Email address: rss@mcga.gov.uk

• Owning a registered pleasure craft