Guidance

Small fishing vessel safety requirements

Information about safety requirements for registering small fishing vessels.

Documents

MSN 1871 Amendment 1

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MGN 581 (F) FISHING VESSELS: Registration Surveys for Fishing Vessels of less 15m built before 16 July 2007

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List of Authorised Surveyors

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Details

Small fishing vessels ie those under 15m length overall (LOA) don’t need a regular statutory survey. However, UK law requires that they are seaworthy and equipped to a safe standard before they can be registered.

This guidance advises you about the types of certificate and inspection you need. This depends on the LOA and age of your vessel.

You’ll also find details of who to contact to arrange for a safety inspection.

Single Handed Fishing

The MCA has published a new leaflet provided guidance on specific areas you need to consider if you fish on your own.

Single Handed Fishing Guidance

Updates to this page

Published 1 May 2014
Last updated 31 January 2020 + show all updates
  1. Updated link, added hyperlink

  2. New documents added

  3. First published.

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