If a merchant vessel is currently registered with the UK Ship Register but is changing ownership, either due to being sold, purchased or inherited, the new owner will have to update the register to show their details and have a Certificate of Registry showing their name.

Documents required for change of merchant vessel ownership

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

• Declaration of Eligibility MSF 4727
• Bill of Sale from current registered owner to the new owner MSF 4705
• Copy of Certificate of Incorporation (if the owner is a body corporate)
• A copy of the valid Code Certificate or appropriate safety Certificate (for vessels under 24m)
• Copy of the Ships Radio licence with licence holder, applications are made with Ofcom
• Copy of the ship’s current Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) and completed CSR amendment form 2 (for vessels over 500 GT)
• Civil liability Certification (CLC), when you receive the P&I “Blue Cards”, apply for the Certificates on the UK Ship Register online service
• Safe Manning Document
• Online payment of £105 registration fee via GOV.UK secure payment link (for five year period)