To obtain a full UK Flag (Part One) Registration requires a Tonnage Measurement Survey. This is because all vessels are registered according to their theoretical cargo carrying capacity. The Registered Tonnage is used by ports and harbour authorities to calculate harbour and light dues payable by vessels using their facilities. Although these fees are very rarely, if ever, levied on private leisure vessels, the system has to be used to obtain full registration.

Medusa Marine is registered with the YDSA to undertake Surveys for Tonnage and Measurement, YDSA has been approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to provide Certificate of Survey for Tonnage and Measurement which is one of the documents you need to register your vessel on the UK Flag Ships Register.

Registration on Part 1 of the UK Ship Register entitles you to the following benefits:

> It is evidence that you own the boat
> It shows your boat’s nationality
> It is necessary if you use the boat as security for a marine mortgage
> It entitles you to protection from the Royal Navy and the services of British Consuls
> It provides internationally accepted documentation to ease passage to foreign ports
> It can enhance the re-sale of your vessel
> It provides evidence of date of build for the EU Recreational Craft Directive (RCD)
> It ensures that your boat’s name is unique

Part 1 Registration requires re-registration every 5 years and does not require a further Survey for Tonnage and Measurement. This is dealt with directly between you and the Registry. A new Certificate of Survey for Tonnage and Measurement will be required if there are changes to your vessel, for example, the change of an engine.

Medusa Marine can also undertake tonnage and measurement survey through the YDSA as an approved authority for the following overseas registries:

> The Bahamas Maritime Authority – public.bahamasmaritime.com
> Barbados Maritime Ship Registry – www.barbadosmaritime.com
> Bermuda Ships Registry – www.bermudashipping.bm
> Cayman Islands Shipping Registry – www.cishipping.com
> Gibraltar Yacht Registry – www.gibraltaryacht.com
> Guernsey Ship Registry – www.shipsregistry.gov.gg
> Isle of Man Registry – www.iomshipregistry.com
> Ports of Jersey – www.ports.je
> The Marshall Islands – www.register-iri.com
> Turks and Caicos Islands – www.gov.tc
> Virgin Islands Shipping Registry – www.vishipping.gov.vg

To start your application for UK Flag part one registration here
and nominate Medusa Marine as your nominated surveyor