We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Class and permitted use of passenger ships, cargo ships, tankers, tugs, tenders, fishing boats, yachts, commercial vessels, and the required certificates.
Small commercial vessels must follow the small commercial vessel codes of practice - codes of practice, certification, operating overseas
New legislation (The Sea Fisheries (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024) will make it a criminal offence for any recreational fishing vessel to target BFT in the UK without a permit.
Register or license a boat for use on the UK's inland waterways or at sea - which authority to register with, the UK Ship Register and Small Ships Register, penalties and fines
Check what safety requirements and insurance are needed to use a boat on UK rivers, canals, or at sea - boat safety certificates, safety regulations and equipment, disposing of old flares
Find out the VAT liability for supplying ships, trains, aircraft and associated services in the UK.
Courts issue fines for failing to register boats on the River Thames. Environment Agency enforcement officers regularly patrol the river
Find out how to charge and collect excise duty on fuel used in private pleasure craft and fuel used for private pleasure flying.
Find out the procedures you'll need to follow to zero rate VAT for the supply of a sailaway boat.
A list of drawings to help with carrying out a large yacht survey.
Complete form MSF 4735 to register a bareboat charter declaration with the Registry of Shipping and Seamen (RSS)
General Export Facility secured by Marine Specialised Technology Group to win contracts in the Netherlands, Ireland and Italy
Register your boat with the UK coastguard using the Royal Yachting Association’s SafeTrx service
Details for owners, operators, and masters of vessels on inland waters, including categorisation, how to apply, safety requirements and best practice.
Steps and requirements on how to register a fishing vessel
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.