Get a fishing vessel licence: vessels 10 metres or under
Register your vessel
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.