Second hand boat - Paperwork & charges

[Aardee]

Hi,

I've just bought a new (to me) yacht (a Gibsea 90). She has an SSR number, but the previous owners have no record of the registration. We've completed the Bill of Sale, which says it has to be sent to the Register of Shipping and Seamen to complete the change of registration with the appropriate fee. Does anyone know (a) If sending in the Bill of Sale will automatically update the SSR, and (b) What is the "appropriate fee" - I've done some googling and can't find any reference to fees.

Many thanks.

 

[prv]

I don't have one handy to check, but I'm fairly sure you only have to send in the Bill of Sale for a Part One registered boat, not SSR. You can apply for a new SSR certificate (using the old number) online without any further paperwork. It's unconnected to the BoS.

Pete

 

[Tranona]

SSR is not really an ownership registry. If the current owner has not renewed the registration he needs to do nothing. If it is still current (lasts 5 years and he should have the certificate) then he needs to notify the registrar. You then register in your name using the on line form. Everything is self declaration so no need to provide the Bill of Sale. The fee is £25. All the details on the MCA site.

All the SSR does is show the boat is on the UK register and only of any value if you go abroad. No requirement to use it in the UK.

 

[Aardee]

Many thanks - Both replies are really helpful

 

[DownWest]

To add:
The SSR is only valid for the current owner. On sale, it automaticly void. New owner applies for one in his name.

 

[[3889]]

To add:
The SSR is only valid for the current owner. On sale, it automaticly void. New owner applies for one in his name.

But the number issued will be the same if you advise MCA it is already registered.

 

[DownWest]

But the number issued will be the same if you advise MCA it is already registered.

Yes, and I think that works if it has time lapsed. Saves on sticky vinyl..

 

[jwilson]

If the Bill of Sale has the form number MSF4705 on it at the bottom it is the standard form used for Part I registered boats. If she was Part I registered it would need to be sent to the MCA with an £80 fee and yet another form, declaring your eligibility to register her - basically that you are a UK citizen. This gets you a big laminated certificate of British Registry.

Using this MSF4705 form for SSR-registered and un-registered boats as well as Part I registered boats is absolutely normal: you just ignore the instructions to send it in to the MCA.

As however she appears not presently registered at all, but has an SSR number painted on, you have two choices.

1) Do nothing at all.

2) Apply online to https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/ssr/ssr/ get a Part III (SSR) certificate, for £25. On the web page put the existing SSR number, which will probably be re-used - if it is a really long time since she was last registered the number just might have been re-allocated to someone else, but this is unlikely.

If you plan to go abroad you should get an SSR registration, just to have a registration certificate to show to the local foreign Customs man, if asked. The MCA do not need your Bill of Sale, just keep this in a safe place with a laminated photocopy aboard along with the small laminated SSR certificate of British Registry you will be sent. Unless you really set out to be unpleasant to foreign customs officials (bad idea) this is all you will need for a small and relatively old boat.

 

[Cardo]

Well easy to (re)register on the SSR.

When Mrs and I got married and we decided to have both our names on the document to make life easier in bureaucracy crazy countries, the very helpful lady on the MCA phone said to simply request a new registration with both our names, using the same number. £25 and two weeks later, got a new certificate in the post. Still have the previous certificate as a backup.

 

[GeorgeLlewellin]

Part 1 Registration

She has an SSR number, but the previous owners have no record of the registration. We've completed the Bill of Sale, which says it has to be sent to the Register of Shipping and Seamen to complete the change of registration with the appropriate fee. Does anyone know (a) If sending in the Bill of Sale will automatically update the SSR, and (b) What is the "appropriate fee" - I've done some googling and can't find any reference to fees.

Many thanks.

As others have said it will be easy to re-register it with an SSR but if you have a Part 1 Registered mark in a prominent place with an Official Number 'O.N.' and a Registered Tonnage 'R.T.' then you would be well advised to make sure there is no lien registered to the vessel. It is unlikly that it was once registered but if it was then check. George

 

[oncewaswafu]

Just as an aside, if the vessel is on the SSR, flying of an ensign is compulsory. Not a lot of people know that!!

 

[prv]

Just as an aside, if the vessel is on the SSR, flying of an ensign is compulsory. Not a lot of people know that!!

Seems unlikely to me. Do you have a source?

Pete

 

[Tranona]

Just as an aside, if the vessel is on the SSR, flying of an ensign is compulsory. Not a lot of people know that!!

Not in British waters. No compulsion for a leisure craft, irrespective of whether it is registered. Ensign necessary in international waters and entering foreign ports to identify nationality of boat.

 

[oncewaswafu]

Pretty sure I read it in the Reeds Flag book. I'll check this eve when I have access to one.

 

[Sandy]

I've just bought a new (to me) yacht (a Gibsea 90). She has an SSR number, but the previous owners have no record of the registration. We've completed the Bill of Sale, which says it has to be sent to the Register of Shipping and Seamen to complete the change of registration with the appropriate fee. Does anyone know (a) If sending in the Bill of Sale will automatically update the SSR, and (b) What is the "appropriate fee" - I've done some googling and can't find any reference to fees.

Are you planning to go overseas? If not save your £ or € and do nothing.

 

[prv]

Not in British waters. No compulsion for a leisure craft, irrespective of whether it is registered.

Yep.

Indeed, I've heard that earlier in the 20th century it was considered rather poseurish for a small yacht in home waters to fly an ensign.

Ensign necessary in international waters and entering foreign ports to identify nationality of boat.

True - and I got a second ensign especially for "going foreign" in Kindred Spirit, because her normal one was flown from the peak of the mizzen gaff and hence not visible when the sail was stowed in harbour. I used to hoist it to the mizzen masthead, where it wrapped around the shrouds and generally looked a bit crappy, but ticked the box.

Presumably even an unregistered British boat should fly an ensign in foreign waters (upcoming problems with Douaniers notwithstanding), and certainly a Part One vessel does, so it's nothing to do with SSR.

Pete

 

[Tranona]

Whether there is a legal requirement to have a boat on a register when visiting foreign ports is a subject that can challenge anchors for length and acrimony of threads! However there is a requirement to prove nationality of the ship and have a visual means of identification.

 

[duncan99210]

Whilst not taking sides in the 'registration needed or not' debate, there is no doubt that having a bit of paper for the marina office or customs man makes life much simpler.