This page aims to set out the minimum documentation
owners are obliged to maintain for yachts registered
in the United Kingdom and carrying no more than
12 guests. Other flags have similar obligations.
Non-compliance can lead to port detention and/or
fines, and can have implications for insurance cover.
Most documents will be needed by the next
owner, so if you're looking to sell check that
all necessary paperwork is present before
your yacht is placed on the market. Don't
leave it until a sale has been agreed.
M-Notices and Notes are useful guides
but not authoritative statements of
law, and are regularly withdrawn.
This page aims to set out the minimum documentation owners are
obliged to maintain for yachts registered in the United Kingdom
and carrying no more than 12 guests. Other flags have similar
obligations. Non-compliance can lead to port detention and/or
fines, and can have implications for insurance cover.
Most documents will be needed by the next owner, so if you're
looking to sell check that all necessary paperwork is present
before your yacht is placed on the market. Don't leave it
until a sale has been agreed.
M-Notices and Notes are useful guides but not authoritative
statements of law, and are regularly withdrawn.
This page aims to set out the minimum documentation owners are
obliged to maintain for yachts registered in the United Kingdom
and carrying no more than 12 guests. Other flags have similar
obligations. Non-compliance can lead to port detention and/or
fines, and can have implications for insurance cover.
Most documents will be needed by the next owner, so if you're
looking to sell check that all necessary paperwork is present
before your yacht is placed on the market. Don't leave it
until a sale has been agreed.
M-Notices and Notes are useful guides but not authoritative
statements of law, and are regularly withdrawn.
PLEASE SELECT THE RELEVANT SIZE(S) TO SEE WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE
REQUIRED AND WHY. SELECT ALL RELEVANT CATEGORIES INCLUDING
SMALLER SIZES. FOR EXAMPLE, FOR 499GT SEE ≥400GT, ≥300GT, ETC
WHILE GT AND USAGE CAN BE FOUND ON YOUR VESSEL'S CERTIFICATE OF
REGISTRATION, IT IS THE ACTUAL USE TO WHICH YOUR VESSEL IS PUT
WHICH IS KEY. THIS GUIDE IS NOT UPDATED AUTOMATICALLY. CHECK
THAT M-NOTICES/NOTES, REGULATIONS AND ACTS ARE STILL IN FORCE.
CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE.
THIS GUIDE IS NOT UPDATED AUTOMATICALLY.
CHECK THAT M-NOTICES/NOTES, REGULATIONS AND
ACTS ARE STILL IN FORCE. CONTACT US FOR ASSISTANCE.
WHILE GT AND USAGE CAN BE FOUND ON YOUR
VESSEL'S CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION, IT IS THE
ACTUAL USE TO WHICH YOUR VESSEL IS PUT WHICH IS KEY
SELECT ALL RELEVANT CATEGORIES INCLUDING
SMALLER SIZES. FOR EXAMPLE, FOR 499GT
SEE ≥400GT, ≥300GT, ETC
PLEASE SELECT THE RELEVANT SIZE(S)
TO SEE WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE
REQUIRED AND WHY
PRIVATE all sizes
N/A
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1970
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Crew Agreements, Lists of Crew and Discharge of Seamen) Regulations 1991
Regulation
N/A
Code of Practice
MGN 474
M-Notice//Note
Crew Agreement and List of Crew
COMMERCIAL ≥24 m LLL or ≥150 GT before 21 July 1968
Various
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 1998, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
REG Yacht Code Certificate
Various
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 1998, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M & N
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
Certificate of Classification
COMMERCIAL ≥24 m LOA or ≥150 GT before 21 July 1968
International Convention on Load Lines 1966/1988
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Regulations 1998, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
MGN 579
MSN 1752
M-Notice//Note
Load Line Conditions of Assignment
International Convention on Load Lines 1966/1988
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Regulations 1998, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
MGN 579
MSN 1752
M-Notice//Note
International Load Line Certificate
International Convention on Load Lines 1966/1988
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Regulations 1998, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Part A, Chapter 11
Code of Practice
MGN 579
M-Notice//Note
Stability Information
COMMERCIAL all sizes
Maritime Labour Convention 2006
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2013
Regulation
N/A
Code of Practice
MSN 1849
M-Notice//Note
On-board complaints procedure
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS), Chapter IV
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Radio Installations) Regulations 1998
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Part A, Chapter 16
Code of Practice
MGN 530
M-Notice//Note
GMDSS Log Book
Maritime Labour Convention 2006
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Hours of Work) Regulations 2018
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex G
Code of Practice
MSN 1877 (M) Amendment 1
M-Notice//Note
Table of Shipboard Working Arrangements
N/A
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1970, as amended
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Official Log Book) Regulations 1981, as amended
Regulation
N/A
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
Official Log Book
Maritime Labour Convention 2006
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Minimum Requirements for Seafarers etc. Regulations 2014
Regulation
N/A
Code of Practice
MGN 477 (M) Amendment 4
M-Notice//Note
Seafarer Employment Agreement
Maritime Labour Convention 2006
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Hours of Work) Regulations 2018
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex G
Code of Practice
MSN 1877 Amendment 1
M-Notice//Note
Record of Hours of Rest of Seafarers
COMMERCIAL ≥300 GT
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974/1988
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Regulations 1998, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes M & N
Code of Practice
MSN 1751
M-Notice//Note
Safety Radio Certificate
COMMERCIAL ≥500 GT
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2
International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code
Convention
European Communities Act 1972 (originally)
Statute
Ship and Port Facility (Security) Regulations 2004, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Part A, Chapter 11
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
Ship Security Assessment
Maritime Labour Convention 2006
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2013
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex G
Code of Practice
MSN 1848 Amendment 3
M-Notice//Note
Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-!
Convention
European Communities Act 1972 (originally)
Statute
Ship and Port Facility (Security) Regulations 2004, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
Continuous Synopsis Record
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS), Chapter IX
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (International Safety Management (ISM) Code) Regulations 2014, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
Safety Management Certificate
Maritime Labour Convention 2006
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2013
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex G
Code of Practice
MSN 1848 Amendment 3
M-Notice//Note
Maritime Labour Certificate (including DMLC I and DMLC II)
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2
International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code
Convention
European Communities Act 1972 (originally)
Statute
Ship and Port Facility (Security) Regulations 2004, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
International Ship Security Certificate
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS), Chapter IX
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (International Safety Management (ISM) Code) Regulations 2014, as amended
Regulation
N/A
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
Document of Compliance
International Convention on Standards of Training and Certification and Watchkeepers 1978/1995 (STCW)
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Regulations 2015, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex G and M
Code of Practice
MSN 1868 Amendment 1
M-Notice//Note
Safe Manning Document
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974/1988
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes M & N
Code of Practice
MSN 1751
M-Notice//Note
Safety Equipment Certificate
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974/1988
Convention
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Survey and Certification) Regulations 2015, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes M & N
Code of Practice
MSN 1751
M-Notice//Note
Safety Construction Certificate
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS), Chapter IX
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (International Safety Management (ISM) Code) Regulations 2014, as amended
Regulation
N/A
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
Safety Management System
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2 & International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code
Convention
European Communities Act 1972 (originally)
Statute
Ship and Port Facility (Security) Regulations 2004, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Part A, Chapter 11
Code of Practice
M-Notice//Note
Ship Security Plan
BOTH all sizes
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments 2004
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
The Merchant Shipping (Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments) Regulations 2022
Regulation
N/A
Code of Practice
None
M-Notice//Note
Ballast water management plan (if applicable)
N/A
Convention
Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006
Statute
N/A
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
Ship Station Radio Licence
N/A
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regulations 1997, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Part A, Chapter 23A
Code of Practice
MGN 539
M-Notice//Note
Code of Safe Working Practices
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments 2004
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
The Merchant Shipping (Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments) Regulations 2022
Regulation
N/A
Code of Practice
None
M-Notice//Note
Ballast water record book (if applicable)
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments 2004
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
The Merchant Shipping (Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments) Regulations 2022
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes L & M
Code of Practice
None
M-Notice//Note
International Ballast Water Management Certificate (if applicable)
BOTH >130 kW engine(s) after 1 Jan 2000
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL), Annex VI
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) Regulations 2008, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
MSN 1819
M-Notice//Note
Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate & NOx technical file
BOTH ≥24 m LOA
International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships 1969
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations 1997, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
MGN 398
M-Notice//Note
International Tonnage Certificate
BOTH ≥24 m LOA to <400 GT
N/A
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Anti-Fouling Systems) Regulations 2009
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes L & M
Code of Practice
MGN 398
M-Notice//Note
Declaration on Anti-fouling System
BOTH ≥100 GT or >15 persons
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL), Annex V
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships) Regulations 2020
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes L & M
Code of Practice
MGN 398
M-Notice//Note
Garbage management plan
BOTH ≥150 GT
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL), Annex I
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes L & M
Code of Practice
None
M-Notice//Note
Oil Record Book
BOTH ≥300 GT
N/A
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Compulsory Insurance of Shipowners for Maritime Claims) Regulations 2012
Regulation
N/A
Code of Practice
N/A
M-Notice//Note
Certificate of Insurance (third party liabilities)
Nairobi International Convention on the removal of Wrecks 2007
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended, & Wreck Removal Convention Act 2011
Statute
N/A
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes L & M
Code of Practice
MIN 499
M-Notice//Note
Wreck Removal Insurance Certificate
BOTH ≥400 GT
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL), Annex I
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex F
Code of Practice
MGN 231
M-Notice//Note
Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL), Annex VI
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
MGN 462
M-Notice//Note
International Energy Efficiency Certificate
International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships 2001
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Anti-Fouling Systems) Regulations 2009
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes L & M
Code of Practice
MGN 398
M-Notice//Note
International Anti-fouling System Certificate
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL), Annex I
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes L & M
Code of Practice
None
M-Notice//Note
International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL), Annex VI
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) Regulations 2008, as amended
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
MSN 1819
MGN 381
MGN 386
MSN 1819 Amendment
M-Notice//Note
International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL), Annex VI
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019
Regulation
N/A
Code of Practice
MGN 462
M-Notice//Note
Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan
BOTH ≥400 GT or >15 persons
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL), Annex IV
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) Regulations 2020
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
MGN 631
M-Notice//Note
International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978 (MARPOL), Annex V
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) Regulations 2020
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annex M
Code of Practice
MGN 632 Amendment 1
M-Notice//Note
Garbage record book and reception facilities receipts
BOTH >1000 GT
International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage 2001
Convention
Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended
Statute
Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution) (Bunkers Convention) Regulations 2006
Regulation
Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, Common Annexes, Annexes L & M
Code of Practice
MGN 507 (M+F) Amendment 1
M-Notice//Note
Civil Liability Certificate for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage