You don’t need a licence for your vessel if any of the following apply: it doesn’t have an engine it’ll only be used to fish for common eels, salmon or migratory trout you fish only within 12 nautical miles of Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, but you’ll need a licence from the relevant authority you only use your vessel to fish for pleasure

You must register your vessel on the UK Ship Registry to get a fishing vessel licence, unless your vessel is registered in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. To get on the register: arrange an inspection by a Maritime and Coastguard Agency ( MCA ) inspector or surveyor fill in application form MSF4740A and send it to the address on the form You can choose simple or full registration. Full registration lets you take out a marine mortgage against your vessel. Registration fees Simple registration is £111 and full registration is £131. Documents you need You must include the following documents: Declaration of Eligibility (MSF 4728) original ownership documents - bill of sale, invoice or builder’s certificate Seafish Construction Certificate if your vessel was built after July 2007, or Seafish Inspection Report if your vessel was built before 2007 Safety Certificate issued by MCA (MSF 1606) the vessel’s radio call sign, if you have one deletion certificate if the vessel was previously registered on another register a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the owner is a limited company Your evidence of ownership must cover the last 3 years if you’re applying for full registration.

Get a licence entitlement

You can get an entitlement by: buying the entitlement from a vessel that has sunk, been scrapped or is no longer being used for fishing buying a vessel with a licence You need to make sure the entitlement is suitable for: a vessel which is 10 metres or under (Category A) the tonnage of your vessel and the size of the engine (kilowattage) You can combine 2 or more entitlements if 1 is not enough to cover your vessel. You can also split an entitlement if you don’t need it all. Register an entitlement bought without a vessel Get form AFL7 from your local MMO office . Read the instructions for filling in form AFL7 . Fill in sections A and B of the form and send it to your local MMO office. MMO will check the previous owner has agreed to the transfer and return the form to you. Entitlements bought with a vessel The seller will transfer the entitlement into your name as part of the sale. MMO will send you form AFL7. Use form AFL7 to convert your entitlement into a licence .

Apply for your licence

Fill in application form AFL2 to apply for a Category A (10 metres or under) licence and send it to your local MMO office with your: certificate of registry for the vessel form AFL7 showing you as the entitlement holder Send the original documents, not copies. A licence is valid for 2 years, starting on 1 July and ending 2 years later on 30 June. Your licence will be renewed automatically.

Get a fishing vessel licence: vessels 10 metres or under

Overview

You need a Category A (10 metres or under) fishing vessel licence if you want to catch and sell sea fish, unless you’re exempt.

Check the licence you need if your vessel is longer than 10 metres.

Follow these steps to get a Category A (10 metres or under) fishing vessel licence:

Register your vessel - you must do this before you can get a licence.
Get a licence entitlement - you’ll need this to get a licence.
Apply for your licence.

You must carry your licence on board your vessel at all times.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Get a fishing vessel licence: vessels 10 metres or under

Overview

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Get a fishing vessel licence: vessels 10 metres or under

Overview

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