Local vessel registration and travelling abroad

Local registration of vessels

Under the Boats and Surf-Riding (Control) (Jersey) Regulations, 1969, all craft of 8 feet or over in length owned by a person ordinarily resident in the Island must be registered with Jersey Harbours.

Local registrations are split into 2 different categories depending on the type and speed of craft:

any mechanically propelled vessel under 30 feet in overall length designed for or capable of travelling on the sea at a speed in excess of 12 knots. The craft will be allocated a 'JY' number which must be displayed on both sides of the hull where it must be visible at all times
any boat of 8 feet or over in length (except vessels registered as detailed above). Registration is required once only, but vessels must be re-registered by the new owner if ownership changes

Kayaks, canoes, sailboards, surfboards, kite surfboards and paddleboards must also be registered and insured if they are over 5 feet long and 2 feet wide and are used to ride the surf. In addition they must be registered and insured if they have a skeg regardless of size and are used to ride the surf. If they do not fit either category then registration is not necessary however it is recommended that they are insured and marked (owners tel number) regardless.

There are 2 ways for an owner to register, the easiest being through a club if you are a member of one. Clubs are often able to negotiate insurance discounts as well. If you are not a member of a club then you can register directly with Jersey Marinas at the Marine Leisure Centre, but you must bring a valid insurance certificate with you.

2011 boat registration fees

2011 boat registration fees are as follows:

Type of craft	Fee
Conventional craft	£17.28
Speedboats JY craft	£17.28
Sail / surfboards	£17.28

All boats must be registered by 31 January 2011. Registration can be completed at the Marine Leisure Centre, New North Quay, using the relevant application form (available to download from this page). You must bring a current valid certificate of insurance and your fee with you.

Should there be a good reason for your boat not to be registered, for example if your boat will not be used or kept on Jersey Harbours’ property at any time during 2011, please notify us in writing prior to 31 January 2011.

Any person who contravenes the provisions above will be liable to a fine of £200.

Should you require further information please contact the Marine Leisure Centre on +44 (0) 1534 447730 or by email.

Email the Marine Leisure Centre

Registration of vessels which will be used overseas

International law requires registration on a national register of any vessel going overseas. A vessel taken overseas must identify its nationality by carrying the flag of the country in which it is registered.

A vessel may be placed on 1 of 2 registers in order to satisfy this requirement:

Small Ships Registry (SSR)
full registration with the British Register of Ships

Small Ships Register (SSR)

An SSR is a way of providing documentary evidence of the yacht's nationality.

The certificate is valid for 5 years. It is unique to the vessel and is not transferable.

Application can be made by individuals (not companies) who are ordinarily resident in Jersey and is limited to ships under 24 metres (79 feet) in length.

You can find out more about SSR, including a downloadable application form, on the States of Jersey website.

Full registration with the British Register of Ships

Full registration provides documentary evidence of title or ownership and nationality of a vessel. A mortgage or other charge may be entered on the register.

A full registration certificate is recognised worldwide.

You can find out more about full registration, including a downloadable application form, on the States of Jersey website.

Travelling to mainland Europe

Certificates and papers

If you’re planning on travelling in your vessel to mainland Europe, you must ensure that you possess a certificate of Small Ships Registry (SSR) and the RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC). This applies for both Jersey and UK registered vessels. You should also carry copies of all other papers regarding your vessel, including insurance.

French patrols

The French authorities make regular patrols of coastal marinas and waterways and frequently request to board or inspect visiting craft and their paperwork.

It is the responsibility of the vessel’s captain / owner to ensure that the necessary documentation is present and correct. If it isn’t, on the spot fines and / or impounding of a vessel may occur. This is standard practice for the French authorities