Legal requirement
It is a legal requirement for the owner to register any vessel:
- that has a length of three metres of more, or
- designated for or capable of speeds in excess of 12 knots
You must also have third party insurance whenever your vessel is residing on or in Jersey territorial waters. This includes any type of mooring or if it is sited in or on any properties owned or administered by Jersey Harbours.
Exemptions
Local registration is not a legal requirement if the vessel is:
- owned by a non-resident and is visiting Jersey for a total of three months or less in any 12 month period
- owned by a department of Her Majesty’s Government or
- manually propelled and has no mechanical or wind assisted propulsion fitted to it. However, it is required that any ship meeting these criteria must have its owners’ telephone number or name and address clearly displayed on it.
Surf boards, kayaks and paddle boards are not required to be registered by law. However, it is an offence to ride the surf on any vessel over 1.54 metres in length and 0.6 metres in width with a fin for steering purposes without appropriate insurance cover in force.
Types of registration
You can register your vessel:
- on the local register, or
- Small Ships Register, or
- Full registration with Jersey Ships’ Registry
Local registration with Jersey Marinas
You can register your vessel with local registration if:
- You are a Jersey resident
- Your vessel is not sailing internationally
You only need to register your vessel once. The registration will remain effective until such time as:
- there is a transfer of ownership, or
- a change occurs that results in alteration of any details recorded on the register
The owner of the ship at the time or immediately prior to the time of change must give written notice within 28 days if, for any reason, a vessel registration ceases to have effect.
Fees
Application for registration must be made by the owner of the ship, accompanied by a fee of £20 and proof of insurance.
Duplicate copy of a Certificate of Registry is £17.46.
How to register
To register your vessel:
- print out and complete the Ship Application Registration Form
- take or send it to the Marine Leisure Centre along with proof of your insurance
- Pay £20 fee
You will receive a certificate of registry once your vessel has been registered. You will need to keep this to change the ownership of your vessel.
Surf-rider regulations
You can register your surf-rider either:
- through a surfing club of which you are a member, or
- with Jersey Coastguards’ free registry database
You must take a valid insurance certificate with you when registering. It is an offence to ride the surf on any vessel over 1.54 metres in length and 0.6 metres in width, with a fin for steering purposes without appropriate insurance.
Small Ships Register (SSR)
You can register your vessel on the Small Ships Register if:
- you are a Jersey resident
- the vessel is owned by an individual or individuals, not a company
- the ship is under 24 metres (79 feet) in length
- your vessel is registered with Jersey Marina (local registration)
Small Ships Registration is valid for five years. The registration certificate is unique to the vessel and is not transferable.
Fees
| SSR registration | Cost |
| Registration or renewal | £70 |
| Fast track | £145 |
| Duplicate certificate | £40 |
How to register
You need to fill out an application form and send it to Jersey Marinas.
You’ll also need to register at the Marine Leisure Centre as part of local registration with Jersey Harbours.
Small Ships Register (SSR) application form
Small Ships Register (SSR) application guidance notes
Renewing registration
To renew your registration, fill out the application form below and send it to Jersey Marinas.
Small Ships Register (SSR) renewal application form
Change of owner or vessel detail
Any change in owner or vessel detail must be declared to Jersey Marinas within 28 days of the date of change.
The current registered owner should be in possession of a Certificate of Registry relating to the vessel. This document (like a car logbook) must be completed and returned to Jersey Marinas to officially notify a change of owner or vessel details.
The new owner(s) must apply for a new registration document to be issued in their name before the vessel can be used in local waters. If the original certificate cannot be located, a replacement can be issued to the registered owner on request.
Changes might include
- change in vessel detail (colour, engine size, modification to topsides / hull)
- change in ownership details, change of owner or addition / removal of a joint owner
- change of owner address / contact detail
- destruction / disposal of craft, other than sale
- sale of craft if outside Jersey
Vessels visiting Jersey
If you are staying in Jersey for longer than three months in any 12 month period, you must:
- register the vessel at the Marine Leisure Centre
- maintain third party insurance
All vessels sailing to mainland Europe
You must ensure you have:
- a certificate of Small Ships Registry (SSR)
- the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) International Certificate of Competence
- copies of all 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 or owner to ensure that the necessary documentation is present and correct. On the spot fines and/or impounding of the vessel may occur without these documents. This is standard practice for the French authorities.
Sailing internationally
Your vessel must be registered on a national register if sailing internationally and display the flag of the country from where it is registered.
Insurance requirements
You are legally required to have third party insurance whenever your vessel is residing on or in Jersey territorial waters. This includes any type of mooring or if it is sited in or on any properties owned or administered by Jersey Harbours.
Exemptions to insurance requirement
Insurance is not required if the ship is manually propelled and has no mechanical or wind assisted propulsion fitted to it.
You must display your telephone number or name and address on your vessel.
Contact
If you need further information, contact the Marine Leisure Centre on +44 (0) 1534 447730 or email jerseymarinas@ports.je.