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Re-Registration of a Fishing Vessel

There are two types of registration for fishing vessels: full registration and simple registration. 

  • Full registration: A vessel with full registration can have mortgages registered against it
  • Simple registration: Mortgages cannot be recorded against a vessel with simple registration

If the vessel was previously registered with “full” registration it should be re-registered with “full” registration. If previously “simple” registered, you can choose to re-register as “simple” or “full”.

Documents required for re-registering a fishing vessel

If your fishing vessel has previously been UK registered and you wish to re-register it, the following documents will need to be submitted as part of the application process. The re-registration requirements are dependent on both the size of the vessel and how long the vessel has been off the UK Ship Register.

Please note that you will need to print off and sign any documents, as we cannot accept digital signatures.

Call us on +44 (0)20 3908 5200 or email us at uksr@mcga.gov.uk if you need any more information.

    • Application to Register MSF 4740B
    • Declaration of Eligibility MSF 4728
    • Bill(s) of Sale to the new owner if ownership has changed since the vessel's last registration with the UK Ship Register MSF 4705
    • Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (if the owner is a body corporate)
    • Hull Construction Certificate (MSF1376) or Seafish Certificate. If the vessel was built before 16 July 2007 a Seafish Certificate is not required
    • Registration Report or Comparison Report from a Fishing Vessel Certifying Authority. Acceptance to re-register on the UK Ship Register from a Principal Fishing Surveyor, the above Registration Report or Comparison Report will be used to make any decision
    • “Full” re-registration fee £196
    • “Simple” Registration fee £159

    Once the above has been received we will issue a Carving and Marking note to confirm the name, Official Number, port of registry and PLN (Port Letter Numbers) of the vessel.

    A Small Fishing Vessel Certificate following inspection and a Measurement Certificate will be required before the Certificate of Registry can be issued; inspection to be arranged with your local MCA Marine Office.

    Visit GOV.UK for more guidance on fishing vessel requirements and inspections.

    • Application to Register MSF 4740B
    • Declaration of Eligibility MSF 4728
    • Bill(s) of Sale to the new owner if ownership has changed since the vessel's last registration with the UK Ship Register MSF 4705
    • Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (if the owner is a body corporate)
    • “Full” re-registration fee £196
    • “Simple” Registration fee £159

    Once the above has been received we will issue a Carving and Marking note to confirm the name, Official Number, port of registry and PLN (Port Letter Numbers) of the vessel. A Small Fishing Vessel Certificate following inspection and a Measurement Certificate will be required before the Certificate of Registry can be issued; inspection to be arranged with your local MCA Marine Office.

    Visit GOV.UK for more guidance on fishing vessel requirements and inspections.

    • Application to Register MSF 4740B
    • Declaration of Eligibility MSF 4728
    • Bill(s) of Sale to the new owner if ownership has changed since the vessel's last registration with the UK Ship Register MSF 4705
    • Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (if the owner is a body corporate)
    • Registration Report or Comparison Report from a Fishing Vessel Certifying Authority
    • Acceptance to re-register on the UK Ship Register from a Principal Fishing Surveyor, the above Registration Report or Comparison Report will be used to make any decision
    • Hull Construction Certificate (MSF1376) or Seafish Certificate; we may have copies of these from the vessel's previous registration
    • Outfit Compliance Certificate (MSF 1368); we may have a copy of this from the vessel's previous registration
    • “Full” re-registration fee £196
    • “Simple” registration fee £159

    Once the above has been received we will issue a Carving and Marking note to confirm the name, Official Number, port of registry and PLN (Port Letter Numbers) of the vessel. A Small Fishing Vessel Certificate following inspection and a Measurement Certificate will be required before the Certificate of Registry can be issued; inspection to be arranged with your local MCA Marine Office.

    Visit GOV.UK for more guidance on fishing vessel requirements and inspections.

    • Application to Register MSF 4740B
    • Declaration of Eligibility MSF 4728
    • Bill(s) of Sale to the new owner if ownership has changed since the vessel's last registration with the UK Ship Register MSF 4705
    • Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (if the owner is a body corporate)
    • Registration Report or Comparison Report from a Fishing Vessel Certifying Authority. Acceptance to re-register on the UK Ship Register from a Principal Fishing Surveyor, the above Registration Report or Comparison Report will be used to make any decision
    • “Full” re-registration fee £196
    • “Simple” Registration fee £159

    Once the above has been received we will issue a Carving and Marking note to confirm the name, Official Number, port of registry and Port Letter Numbers (PLN) of the vessel. A Small Fishing Vessel Certificate following inspection and a Measurement Certificate will be required before the Certificate of Registry can be issued; inspection to be arranged with your local MCA Marine Office.

    Visit GOV.UK for more guidance on fishing vessel requirements and inspections.

    • Application to Register MSF 4740B
    • Declaration of Eligibility MSF 4728
    • Bill(s) of Sale to the new owner if ownership has changed since the vessel's last registration with the UK Ship Register MSF 4705
    • Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (if the owner is a body corporate)
    • Acceptance on the UK Ship Register from a Principal Fishing Surveyor; we can forward your application details on to them if contact has not already been made. The vessel application will then be assessed against the flag in matrix
    • Class Certificate (if the vessel is over 24 metres)
    • “Full” re-registration fee £196
    • “Simple” Registration fee £159

    Once the above has been received we will issue a Carving and Marking note to confirm the name, Official Number, port of registry and PLN (Port Letter Numbers) of the vessel. A UK or International Fishing Vessel Certificate following inspection and a Measurement Certificate will be required before the Certificate of Registry can be issued; inspection to be arranged with your local MCA Marine Office.

    Visit GOV.UK for more guidance on fishing vessel requirements and inspections.

  • Where to send your documents

  • As re-registration applications cannot currently be completed using the UK Ship Register online service, please send us your documents via email to uksr@mcga.gov.uk 

    If you are unable to email your documents, please post them to:  

    UK Ship Register 
    Maritime and Coastguard Agency 
    Anchor Court 
    Keen Road 
    Cardiff 
    CF24 5JW 

    Call us on +44 (0)20 3908 5200 if you need any more information.