SMALL SHIPS REGISTRATION :Regrettably, it is now essential for the yacht to be registered in order to go abroad anywhere. However, SSR registration part III is adequate and simple to obtain. For details Click here http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/reg_on_small_ships_msf_1312_4.01.pdf 

FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION Click here https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/ssr/ssr/ . There are also guidance notes for you to read. The fee is currently £12.00.

Or Telephone or write to:

Registry Of Shipping & Seamen, MCA Cardiff,

Anchor Court, Ocean Way, Cardiff, CF24 5JW

TEL: 029 20448855 FAX: 029 20448820

SAILING ABROARD What documentation do I need to ‘go foreign'? 

When you are sailing a British registered boat from the UK to any other country, you will require papers both for the boat and for the crew on board.  Rules and regulations differ from country to country throughout the continent.             

Click here for further information http://www.rya.org.uk, boating abroad

Ship’s papers: All documents must be the originals, photocopies are not acceptable.

Registration – You must have on board the original registration document, 

The original bill of sale you recieved when you purchased the vessel must also be carried.

Marine Insurance cover note – insurance for boats is more or less compulsory nowadays and many European countries will ask for evidence of insurance cover. It is important to check the territorial limits of your cover before undertaking any trip, as you may need to extend the cruising limits. Some countries also require a translation of the cover note which your insurance broker should be able to provide.  More detailed information on the insurance requirements for cruising abroad is available from "Foreign Cruising Vols 1&2" availble from the RYA Online Bookshop or by telephoning the RYA Orders Line on 0845 345 0372.

VAT – proof of VAT paid on the boat does is not formally part of the Ship’s papers, but may be required by custom’s officials within the EU. VAT was started in the UK in 1973.

 

Personal papers: Passport

Every crew member on board requires a passport. If you are cruising outside the EU you may also need a visa, so check well before you intend to leave the UK as they may take time to procure.

 

International Certificate of Competence (ICC) – it is important to check whether or not you need an ICC before you leave the UK. Some countries can impose a fine for owners who do not have a certificate. See http://www.rya.org.uk/KnowledgeBase/boatingabroad/icc/

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS Some EU countries are members of the "Shengen Agreement" and you will need to fill in these additional documents as detailed in the instances below: This link also confirms the other document requirements as per the information above.

Cruising in Holland and Belgium Click Here http://www.rya.org.uk/Cruising/safetyinfo/default.asp?contentId=2226024 

From this page you can download the required forms and information for these two countries. 

THEY ENFORCE THIS with severe penalties:

GREY WASTE DISPOSAL  The options are as follows (1)  Fit holding tanks. (ouch)  (2) Carry a small portaloo.  (3) Use a dry adapter for the boat toilet.  (4) Carry a folding travel toilet. (6)  Someone said seal the boats sea toilet whilst in port !! How do I do that? Use a padlock and swear a public oath not to remove it until you are out of sight of land.  (Aw heck, how yer gonna do thet, yoor setch a dogond lyerr Ma). (7) Wear nappies.

I'm still not clear how you prove VAT has been paid if you have an older boat. How can you prove its age.

Copy of the register. There is one piece of information which may be of interest. If your boat has been registered under part one of the ships registry you can get a copy of the register which states the date of registration and when the boat was built. Currently this is £25.00.

I don't mind being part of the common market but they're so regulation crackers. Unless of course I've missed something.