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law, and are regularly withdrawn.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statements of law, and are regularly withdrawn.

STAY ON THE

RIGHT TRACK

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statements of law, and are regularly withdrawn.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

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 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

N/A

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