Background and further information
Updated 12 March 2020
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A fishing vessel’s engine power, in kilowatts (KWs), must be recorded as part of the vessel’s registration and licence. This is to allow fisheries administrations to calculate the overall UK fishing fleet capacity. The recorded power can be either:
- the vessel’s maximum continuous engine power (MCEP)
- the permanently de-rated engine power – de-rated power should not normally be less than 75% of the MCEP
A fishing vessels’ engine power must match that recorded on a vessel’s licence and Certificate of Registry, as should all details of the engine itself. It is against the law to fish with a fishing vessel where its engine power is different to that stated in the fishing licence. If any documents do not match the installed engine power, then individual vessels may have invalidated their licence and will therefore have no authorisation to fish.
It is also against the law to provide incorrect details when you register a vessel on the Register of Shipping and Seamen (RSS), or if you do not notify RSS about any change in your vessel’s details.
If an engine power test is required, vessels administered and registered in England will be tested by a qualified engineer appointed by Marine Scotland (MS), accompanied by a marine officer nominated by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
Vessels administered and registered in Northern Ireland and Wales will also be tested by a MS-appointed qualified marine engineer.
1. Further information
You should read the vessel licensing guidance to make sure your vessel is properly and legally licensed. MMO coastal offices will be pleased to offer further advice on any points that are not clear to you. All forms can be obtained from your local MMO office.
UK fisheries administrations must establish measures to ensure compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy – see Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009. The regulation requires member states to verify the declared engine power of fishing vessels. As part of this process the UK fisheries administrations will be conducting physical tests of engine power of some of its fleets.
The sampling plan was established based on the requirements of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 404/2011, article 62 methodology. This was adopted by the Commission based on the principles of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, article 119.
Using a new propulsion engine, a replacement propulsion engine, or a propulsion engine that has been technically modified, is prohibited if that engine has not been officially certified. If you are intending to replace or modify an engine you should inform the Registry of Shipping and Seamen in advance.