Part 1
registration
Find out more about Part 1 Registration below; what it is, what the benefits are, where we can undertake tonnage surveys, what documentation you will need, how much it costs and how often re-registration is required.
Allcraft Marine Surveys are authorised by the YDSA to undertake Surveys for Tonnage and Measurement for Part 1 Registration for the Register of UK Ships.
What is Part 1 Registration?
Part 1 Registration is the recording of your vessel and her ownership on the official UK Ship Register. Registration is not compulsory for most UK based leisure craft, but it can be desirable for various reasons - most notably as evidence of ownership. The register is administered by the Maritime and Coastguard Association (MCA) and as recognized YDSA surveyors we are authorized to conduct Tonnage Measurement Surveys which are part of the application process. Registration on a number of official overseas registries is also possible but Part 1 Registration should not be confused with Part 3 Registration (sometimes called the Small Ships Register or SSR). Part 3 registration cannot be used as evidence of ownership and proves only the vessel’s nationality. Part 2 registration is for commercial fishing boats and Part 4 is for charter vessels.
What are the benefits of Part 1 Registration?
Part 1 registration is often a requirement when seeking finance or for shared ownership or other legal purposes. As part of the ship’s paperwork, an official registration certificate is highly desirable for international voyaging.
The specific benefits are:
• Evidence of vessel ownership
• Proof of the vessel’s nationality
• Essential when using the vessel as security for a marine mortgage or similar finance
• Entitles the vessel to international protection from the Royal Navy and the services of British Consuls
• Internationally accepted documentation to ease passage into foreign ports
• Potentially enhances the vessel’s resale value
• Evidence of date of build for compliance with the EU Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) and other regulations
• Ensures the vessel’s name is unique on the register
What is the process of registration?
The process for registration is mostly administrative but the vessel itself does need to be ‘measured’ for tonnage. This involves an authorized surveyor visiting the boat to confirm her existence and type, officially record various identification and serial numbers and taking various physical measurements.
Once you are ready to register your vessel:
• Start your application with the UK Ship Register
• Follow these links to download a SUR6A form, a list of Ports of Registry and these notes
• Complete the SUR6A as completely as possible and email it to us
• We will liaise with the YDSA and make arrangements to visit the vessel for measurement
• The YDSA will endorse our findings and forward a Certificate for Tonnage and Measurement to the UK Ship Register for inclusion with your application
• On approval you will receive an official registration certificate and you will be asked to mark the vessel with her official number and tonnage
How much does Part 1 Registration cost?
The UK Ship Registry currently charge £153 for 5 years inclusion on the registry and £72 renewal every 5 years thereafter (correct 03/2021). As detailed below, the YDSA levies fixed charges for administration and tonnage measurement depending on the size and location of the vessel:
| Registry | Vessel Location | Size | Fee |
| UK Ship Registry | Within the UK | Under 15m LOA | £200 |
| Over 15m and under 24m Load Line Length | £250 | ||
| Outside the UK | Under 15m LOA | £250 | |
| Over 15m and under 24m Load Line Length | £300 | ||
| Other registries | Worldwide | Under 24m Load Line Length | £300 |
| Change of details (eg engine change) | £100 |
What about overseas Registries?
Apart from the UK Ship Registry, we are authorized to measure vessels for the following overseas registries:
• The Bahamas Maritime Authority
• Barbados Maritime Ship Registry
• Bermuda Ships Registry
• Cayman Islands Shipping Registry
• Gibraltar Yacht Registry
• Guernsey Ship Registry
• Isle of Man Registry
• Ports of Jersey
• The Marshall Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Virgin Islands Shipping Registry
The process for registry with any of the overseas organizations is similar to that for the UK Ship Registry – call or email to discuss the options.
How often do you need to apply for Part 1 Registration?
You will have to re-register every 5 years but, unless there have been any material changes to the vessel, there will be no need for her to be re-measured for tonnage. The re-registration can be dealt with directly with the Registry authorities.
A modest re-registration charge will be payable.
What will you need to provide to apply for Part 1 Registration?
The UK Ship Registry require:
• The dimensions of the vessel
• Details of any previous registration
• The bill of sale
• Radio signal details such as the vessel’s radio call sign and MMSI number
• The builder’s certificate
• A Certificate of Tonnage and Measurement (this is where we come in)
• Various other certificates depending on the vessel and her intended use
