Displaying boat name

[gtmoore]

Can anyone tell me what the requirements are regarding the display of your boats name. I've just had some new dodgers made but decided against having the name put on them. As a result I only have the name now on the stern. Is there some requirement that I have it visible from the side of the boat aswell?

Thanks

Gavin

 

[steve_cronin]

Nope!!

Just your SSR number if you're going foreign.
(However there are some local requirements in various harbours.)



Steve Cronin

 

[gtmoore]

Thanks.

My SSR number is *inside* the cockpit on the transom - does this need to be visible from outside?

Gavin

 

[andy_wilson]

V. Important....

.. to paint it on the bottom in contrasting coloured anti-fouling paint.

 

[Chris_Stannard]

I think you will find it must be visible from outside and that might not count.

Chris Stannard

 

[BrendanS]

Interesting thought...though I've always assumed SSR numbers were meant to be displayed on the outside of transom, I'm now gonna hafta read the regs and see if you've found a loophole. Why spoil a nice boat with lots of boring numbers if you can hide them inside! /forums/images/icons/cool.gif
Until we unravel the complicated legalities and have taken it to European court, I suspect a few authorities may not take kindly to this loophole however, and suggest you put SSR on exterior of transom, as this is what they expect, and some of those European blighters have a nasty habit of imposing hefty on the spot fines for what 'they' consider are infringements of regulations.

 

[gtmoore]

Not my idea - the boat was like it when I bought it. Just dug out the SSR leaflet and it says the SSR No "must be painted on, or fixed to the exterior of the hull, deck or superstructure where it can be easily seen".

Seems I'll be ordering some sticky numbers then (or getting clever with the antifoul!)

Thanks for everyones advice

Gavin

 

[vyv_cox]

My understanding is that a foreign power has no jurisdiction over a British boat, so if HM Government do not require you to have qualifications, SSR number displayed, compulsory safety equipment, etc., then you don't need them anywhere abroad. Part 1 registration requires the boat to carry its number on a board that is attached below deck on a bulkhead.

 

[steve_cronin]

Go tell that to the French Vyv.....

It was due to the insistance a few years back by the French authorities that the Small Ships Register came into being. They had tried to insist that any vessel entering their waters was registered with it's national authority. At that time the Uk only had the full Lloyds register of Shipping and it was impractical for small pleasure yachts to go through all of the process to get onto part 1.

It was always Ok to have the SSR number in the cockpit. The RYA who initially managed the scheme used to supply rectangular stainless steel plaques for the purpose. You still see them around today.

Steve Cronin

 

[BrendanS]

Interesting. Where has the custom arisen of displaying SSR on stern come from. Don't many officials now expect it, whether it is required or not?

 

[FlyingSpud]

There is no requirement to have your name on the side of the boat, but if you have to have the windage and the poor visability that comes with dodgers, it is worth having your name on as a saftey feature. They can be drapped over the cabin to help helicopeter identification from the sky, or can be seen by a rescue boat when in situ.

 

[vyv_cox]

Re: Go tell that to the French Vyv.....

Being registered and displaying the registration number on the hull are not the same thing. The RYA introduced the SSR specifically for visitors to France, not for the French. The intention was to provide a simple, low-cost system that would appear to the French authorities to be an official registration scheme, thereby avoiding hassle for the British owner. There never was a requirement that Part 1 owners display their registration number, so why should it be the case for SSR?

This story shows how abused the scheme is. I bought a new Dart from the Laser Centre about 15 years ago (a big mistake, but that's another story). I was asked if I wanted an SSB certificate. When I said yes, I was offered a bucket full of them and told to take my pick.

On the other hand, when I bought my Sadler I was helped a great deal by the SSR administrators at Swansea when having some problems in establishing the chain of previous ownership. So it can have some uses.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Boat name and Southampton BS

FWIW I got my boat name made up on sticky-back vinyl at the SBS last year. There was a company, not far inside the main entrance/exit, with a PC, some software, rolls of different coloured vinyl and a very clever cutting machine. If they are there this year, I'm sure they'll knock out a plain SSR number for you quick and cheap.

 

[gtmoore]

Re: Boat name and Southampton BS

Thanks! I'll look out for them when I'm there on Thursday.

 

[ean_p]

Re: Boat name and Southampton BS

as far as I know there is no legal requirement to be either registered or named at all......just fly the flag and damn their eyes sir.......