- UK Registration
- Sailing & Motor Yachts
Tonnage Measurement for Registration
Registering your yacht under a Red Ensign flag? Here is what the tonnage measurement process involves.
An official tonnage measurement is required for Part I Red Ensign registration. Joe is authorised to carry out measurements for vessels under 24 metres load line length across a range of Red Ensign Group registries.
Registration Options
Red Ensign Registration
There are two ways to register your yacht with a Red Ensign (British Flag).
Part I Registration
Full registration showing proof of ownership. Requires a tonnage measurement by a registered surveyor.
Part III Registration
Basic registration proving nationality of the yacht, effectively a passport for the yacht. Can be done online through the MCA.
Part III does not show proof of ownership and is not accepted by finance companies or some flag states for commercial purposes.
What is Tonnage Measurement?
The tonnage measurement is a relatively straightforward process. Three key measurements are taken: the Length (LOA), breadth, and depth of the yacht, plus the yacht and engine details are recorded.
Using these hull measurements, there is a standard formula to calculate the tonnage. Once the tonnage forms have been completed, they are forwarded to the relevant certifying authority who then forward the endorse tonnage certificate to the relevant flag state registrar.
Important to remember
One thing worth knowing: tonnage has nothing to do with the weight of a yacht. It is a measure of internal volume, calculated from three hull measurements.
Authorised for Registration With:
- UK Ship Register (UKSR)
- Isle of Man Registry
- British Virgin Islands Registry
- Cayman Islands Registry
- Gibraltar Registry
- Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey) Registry
- Marshall Islands
Joe is authorised to carry out tonnage measurement surveys for yachts under 24 metres load line length for the Red Ensign Group registries listed above.
Not sure if your flag is listed? Get in touch and Joe can advise
The Process
Part I Registration Procedure
Understanding the registration process and responsibilities.
Owner's Responsibilities
- Apply to the appropriate flag state Registrar for the application requirements
- Check availability of chosen vessel name and port of choice
- Appoint a approved surveyor to carry out tonnage measurement. Share the location of the yacht and provide access details
- Provide appropriate documentation to the surveyor and pay the agreed fee
Surveyor's Responsibilities
- Attend the vessel and complete tonnage measurement form
- Submit tonnage form to chosen certifying authority and pay the administration fees
- Advise client that survey and paperwork has been completed and forwarded to the certifying authority
Certifying Authority (CA) Responsibilities
The CA endorses the tonnage certificate, and forwards it directly to the flag state Registrar.
Important Information
- Monitoring Progress
Once the surveyor has forwarded the tonnage certificate to the Certifying Authority the surveyors role is complete. The responsibility then lies with the owner to monitor and/or chase the paperwork process by speaking to the flag state office directly.
Get In Touch
Request a Survey
Tell Joe about your yacht and he will respond promptly with availability and a competitive quote.
What happens next?
Submit your enquiry
Provide basic details about your yacht and requirements
Receive a quote
Joe will respond with pricing and availability
Schedule your survey
Agree a convenient date and location
No obligation. Joe will review your details and come back to you personally, usually within one working day.