Most common questions about United Kingdom yacht registration

What documents are required to apply for the UK flag?

We are required to have the following documents:

• Copy of your passport

• Copy of Bill of Sale

• The UK authorities will examine and determine which name is available once they have received your registration request. Your vessel must have a unique name. You must give 4 unique names.

• A certificate from a recent tonnage and measurement survey is required (not older than 1 year). It can be completed in your own nation. Simply ensure that it is carried out by one of the authorised surveyors, which include: (American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Bureau Veritas (BV), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Germanischer Lloyd (GL), Lloyd' s Register (LR), Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK), Registro Italiano Navale (RINA) *

• The certificate of deletion (if previously registered)

What nationalities can apply for the UK flag?

Any nationality may register as an owner flying the UK flag, however only residents of the approved countries list may apply.

How long does the registration take?

From the time we receive all the necessary documentation, the usual registration process takes roughly 2 weeks. There is an express service available if you need your registration completed more quickly; it will just take 3 days. The UK Ship Registry provides this service, which has an extra expedited premium.

How long is the registration for the British flag good for?

The registration paperwork is valid for five years after it is issued. We will give you a reminder six months before to the due date, and the renewal procedure is straightforward.

Is the UK registration valid around the world?

The UK registration is valid around the world.

Can I register my boat under the company name?

Yes, you can.

Do you accept documents in any language?

Documents are accepted in English language. If the original documents are not in English, a sworn translation must be provided. You, the yacht owner, can care of it using a legal translator or we can also help you with it.

Is the UK registration issued in the physical form? Or is it digital?

The UK registration is issued in a digital format.

Do I need to have a survey conducted for the boats that are registered for recreational or commercial use?

The boats registered for the recreational purposes, does not required to have a survey done.
However, after the paperwork has received UK government approval, the surveyor must provide for the required ITC69/coding certificate for commercial use only.

Are there any changes after the BREXIT law?

Even with the new Brexit laws, there have been no modifications to the process! You can still use your UK part 1 registration in any EU member state without any issues.

Who should I contact for the survey or tonnage certificate?

For both a survey and/or a tonnage certificate, get in touch with any of the companies listed below:
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Bureau Veritas (BV), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Germanischer Lloyd (GL), Lloyd' s Register (LR), Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK), Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)

Where can I pick up my documents?

The UK Part 1 registration is issued in the digital format.

What should I do if my UK Limited expired?

Your UK company must serve as your valid representative and address for your part 1 registration to remain active. Your part 1 registration will become invalid if this company's licence is not renewed.

Can I apply without the CE certificate?

Yes. However, it is required to have a tonnage and measurement survey that is no older than one year.

What payment methods do you accept?

All forms of payment are accepted.

What is the procedure to change the owner on a current UK registration?

We are required to have the following documents:

• Fill out the online form

• A copy of new owner’s passport

• A copy of bill of sale

What is the procedure to delete the current UK registration?

We are required the following:

• Fill out the online form

• A copy of the UK Part 1 registration

What documents are required to apply for the UK MMSI license?

To continue with the MMSI license, please provide us with the following information:
* What type of VHF you have on board and what is its power (for example, 25 W).
* If you have more equipment on board such as ATIS, EPIRB or any other, please indicate so. If you have an EPIRB, we need to know the following:

• Hexadecimal identification (15 digits)

• Type of beacon

• Beacon manufacturer

• Serial number of the beacon

* We also need to know the maximum number of passengers allowed on board, as well as the displacement in KG of the boat.

* You must also provide us with the details of an emergency contact person (Full name, full address, phone number). Please note that he / she cannot be the same as in the registration document.

How soon can I get the UK MMSI license and how long it would be valid for?

You can get the UK MMSI license within 24-48 business hours, it is issued in a digital format and valid for 10 years.

Can many radios on my boat have the same MMSI number?

Yes. If there are many radios that are exclusively used on a single boat, they can all be programmed with the same MMSI number.