Small Ships Register

[NBDS]

We take delivery of new boat in a couple of months and up until recently had assumed that putting her on the Small Ships Register would be a sensible move.

However, now receiving conflicting advice as to whether there is any real need or benefit. Also being told that if sailing abroad SSR counts for nothing and in any event original papers are still required.

Would be grateful for any advice, for and against registration.

 

[davies]

Definitely register. You need either SSR or Part 1 registration in your paperwork overseas. The "original paperwork" that you will need is evidence that VAT has been paid, and you also need your current certificate of insurance.

 

[BoyBlue49]

How wrong can you be. See earlier posts this month re. SSR. Never ever leave British shores without one or part one registry. You also need your VAT receipt, without them it WILL BE VERY EXPENSIVE on arrival at a forign port if you are inspected by the maritime police.

 

[alexrunic]

I ve read in lots of places that you do need to vist any where outside of the uk. you can do it on line now i think its about £25

 

[Koeketiene]

[ QUOTE ]

However, now receiving conflicting advice as to whether there is any real need or benefit. Also being told that if sailing abroad SSR counts for nothing and in any event original papers are still required.

[/ QUOTE ]

Counts for nothing? Well, it doesn't prove ownership, but it does prove registration. And that's all it's supposed to do and is sufficient as far as "abroad" is concerned.

Yes, you're required to carry the original of the SSR. If you register Part 1 you're also required to carry the original. So, what's the problem?

 

[vyv_cox]

In almost any European port you will be asked to show 'ship's papers' to the authorities. The yacht's registration document is possibly the most important of these. Either an SSR or Part 1 is perfectly acceptable. In theory, if not intending to travel abroad you do not need to register. However, SSR registration is cheap and can be useful when it comes to selling the boat on. There is no reason that I can think of not to do it.

 

[NBDS]

Thanks all, that's pretty clear. I will go ahead and register. Think that my source and I may have got hung up on the fact that SSR doesn't prove ownership but it clearly delivers other benefits.

 

[Woodentop]

[ QUOTE ]
........However, SSR registration is cheap and can be useful when it comes to selling the boat on. There is no reason that I can think of not to do it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Part 1 is more useful - it proves you own the boat you are trying to sell and it has no mortgages or arrest warrants, liens etc outstanding against the boat.

SSR however is very useful for obtaining a fresh set of papers for a boat you intend to steal. The dummy you sell it to thinks you own it.

 

[earlybird]

[ QUOTE ]
[Part 1 is more useful-it proves you own the boat and has no mortgage outstanding etc etc.]

I've sometimes seen this stated before. However,on the back of my Pt. 1 certificate it says, under "Important Information":-
"A certificate of registry is not proof of ownership"
"Details of registered mortgages are not shown"
Why has the opposite idea come about?

 

[Woodentop]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[Part 1 is more useful-it proves you own the boat and has no mortgage outstanding etc etc.]

I've sometimes seen this stated before. However,on the back of my Pt. 1 certificate it says, under "Important Information":-
"A certificate of registry is not proof of ownership"
"Details of registered mortgages are not shown"
Why has the opposite idea come about?

[/ QUOTE ]

Details of mortgages are not shown on the Registration Certificate - the details are held at the Registry of Shipping.

Which is why, just like buying a house or a second-hand-car, you check with the registry before handing over the cash.