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UK Small Ships Register: MCA Cardiff
The process for registering a small vessel or boat for use at sea is simple. But, you will need to use the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Small Ship Register online service.
This help guide explains the steps for part III registration, part I registration, and how to register a commercial vessel over 100 gross tonnes (GT).
Important: Some of the previous rules may have changed following the end of the Brexit transition period. We will update this page as soon as new information becomes available.
Small Ships Register Part 3 Registration
There may be instances where you need to prove the nationality of a boat you sail outside the waters of the United Kingdom.
You can achieve this by registering the vessel on the UK Small Ships Register (SSR).
The SSR UK Online Registration Service provides you with a simple form of non-title registration.
SSR registration is only available if all the owners are 'ordinarily resident' in the United Kingdom. You can use the Small Ships Register UK for pleasure vessels less than 24 metres in length.
The current cost of registering a recreational vessel on the Small Ship Register is £35 for five (5) years. UK SSR registration criteria depends on the:
- Owner(s) being private individuals (i.e. not operating as a company).
- Owner(s) living as a resident in the United Kingdom for at least 185 days in a twelve (12) month period.
- Boat or pleasure vessel being less than 24 metres (79 feet) in overall length and having a unique name or title (cannot be an undesirable or offensive boat name).
MCA Small Ships Register Renewal (change of owner)
You can edit an existing SSR registration online. This is useful if you change the legal ownership or address of the boat keeper.
The same service allows you to make your Small Ships Register search for renewal. MCA Cardiff would send you a renewal notice when it's time to renew Small Ships Registration.
Small Ship Part I Registration
Your boat must have a unique name for registration on the Small Ships Register Part I. The cost is £153 for five (5) years. Part 1 of the British ship registry covers you in circumstances where you need to:
- Prove you are the owner of the boat.
- Prove the nationality of your small vessel.
- Use the craft as security to apply for a marine mortgage.
- Register a vessel for pleasure or recreational purposes.
- Get 'transcripts of registry' showing previous owners and any outstanding mortgages.
Note: Search the Small Ships Register guidance notes for further eligibility criteria and technical information (e.g. measuring the vessel).
Small Ships Register Boat Names Application (SSR UK)
- You need to have a completed 'application to register a UK vessel on part 1 of the register MSF 4740A (Rev 1118)'.
- You also need a completed 'merchant and pleasure vessels declaration of eligibility, to register a British ship on part 1 of the register (MSF 4727) Rev 0319'.
- To complete the application you need 5 years of original title documents.
(e.g. a bill of sale (MSF 4705), boat builder's certificate (MSF 4743), sales agreement or invoice)
Following that you need to send the following supporting documents:
- Certificate of survey for tonnage and measurement.
- International tonnage certificate if the boat is over 24 metres.
- Certificate of incorporation if you are registering on behalf of a company.
- Deletion certificate if your boat was on another register before.
- Confirmation of radio call sign if you have one.
When you pay the registration fee you can use several methods:
- Send a cheque (made payable to 'MCA').
- Fill in the optional request to pay by credit card to RSS MSF 5184.
- Use the Part I Small Ships Register telephone number below (for payments made by credit card).
You will receive a renewal notice when it is time to renew your registration. The renewal fee is £49 for another five (5) years.
Note: Further forms, guides, and notices are available for ship owners and bareboat charterers registering with UKSR under the UK flag.
Registration of Small Commercial Vessels
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency can help with the small vessel register. Contact MCA to register merchant ship and bareboat charter >100GT.
The UK Ship Register search tool has information and guidance for merchant ship and bareboat charter. Contact SSR registration for small commercial vessels under 100 gross tonnes (GT).
Part III Registration (MCA Small Ships Register UK)
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3908 5201
Part I Registration
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3908 5204
UK Ship Register (The Registry of Shipping and Seamen Cardiff Contact)
Email: UKSR@mcga.gov.uk
Telephone number: +44 (0)20 3908 5200
Check the cost of phone calls in the United Kingdom
UK Ship Register (The Registry of Shipping and Seamen)
MCA Cardiff
Anchor Court
Keen Road
Cardiff
CF24 5JW
Related Help Guides and Information
- Procedures for owning a boat in the United Kingdom
- How to get a boatmasters licence and the cost
- Getting Permission to work on a river
- UK river levels (Environment Agency)
- Sea and river boating rules and regulations
- Health and safety at sea (COSWP risk assessment)
- Skipper's Medical Emergency Handbook (first aid at sea)
Note: The short YouTube video explains more about the World Register of Ships and how it simplifies an online search for ships at sea.
Small Ships Register Search Procedures in United Kingdom