Registering your boat here in the UK is not compulsory unless the vessel is subject to a marine mortgage, company ownership or you are intending to sail into international waters. Being able to fly the Red Ensign flag, with all the prestige and recognition that come with it is reason enough in our opinion, but there are good reasons to register your boat even if the above don't apply.

 

For pleasure craft there are two types of registration, Part I and Part III (SSR). The main difference being that Part I is more of a title register and proof of ownership whereas Part III is similar to a passport that allows you to take the boat overseas. We would always recommend Part I, this is actually the only option if the boat has a mortgage, is over 24m or is company owned.

 

Considering how mobile a boat is, there are also the benefits of being able to legally prove that the vessel belongs to you as well. Once the vessel is Part I registered you are able to:

 

Prove title to your boat

Prove your boat's nationality

Use the boat as security to obtain a marine mortgage

Obtain 'Transcripts of Registry', which show the boat’s previous owners and whether there are any outstanding mortgages

 

As long as you are in the following criteria, you can Part I register your vessel with the UK registry:

 

British Citizen

British Dependent Territories Citizen

British Overseas Citizen

Company incorporated in one of the EEA countries

Citizen of an EU member state exercising rights under articles 48 or 52 of the EU Treaty in the UK

Company incorporated in any British overseas possession which have its principal place of business in the UK or those possessions

European Economic Interest Groupings

 

Here at JD Yachts we deal with the UK Ship Register regularly and know how it can sometimes be complicated or confusing, we're always happy to help with the registration process, just give us a call on 08458 125 126 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..