Background

Traditionally referred to as 'local registration', the Harbour Office operates a register of all boats 12 feet and over in length which are based in Guernsey. This is a statutory requirement and unlike Small Ship Registration is not voluntary. Failure to ensure that your vessel is registered with the Harbour Office is an offence under the Boats and Vessels (Registration, Speed Limits and Abatement of Noise), Ordinances, 1970 and 1994.

In addition, vessels using any of the moorings administered by the Harbour Authority must be properly insured with a minimum public liability cover of £1 million.Vessels which are based in the Island and registered with the Registry of British Ships under Part 1, commercial Fishing Vessels and boats on the Small Ships Register must also be registered on the Port Control Register as 'local boats'.

Why Register ?

It is a legal requirement. In addition, ownership details are available to Harbour staff 24 hours a day and in the event of an emergency, whether at sea or inshore it will be possible to pass details on to the owners of the vessel and the emergency services.

Registration Process

The Registration process is straightforward and involves completing a single application form which needs to be signed by each owner or joint owner. This form needs to be submitted with proof of insurance and proof of ownership. For new vessels proof of ownership can include bills of sale or other valid proof of purchase. For secondhand vessels already on the register the application form should have the 'previous owner' section completed and signed by the previous owner(s) or be submitted with a valid bill of sale.

Proof of insurance is required for vessels capable of traveling at 17 knots or more. However, if a vessel occupies a mooring or States land then proof of insurance is required, regardless of its size or speed capability.

Once registered, a number will be allocated which should be marked on the stern of the vessel. It is important and a requirement of the legislation that this number is a distinctive colour compared to the colour of the hull. The size of the number will vary, according to the type of boat. Boats which are not capable of more than 17 knots require the number to be marked in numerals of at least one and a half inches and not more than two inches in height.

Speedboats and personal water craft (i.e. jetskis & wetbikes) which are capable of more than 17 knots must have the number marked in black on a white background and each numeral of the number should be at least six inches high and at least one and a quarter inches wide.

The number '1' should be at least three inches wide. Registration numbers are issued by the Harbour Authority and are not automatically transferable to successive vessels in the same ownership. 'GU' registration numbers for fishing vessels are issued only by the Registry of British Ships and are not automatically transferable.

Changes of Ownership, Owner(s) address & Boat Removals

All transfers of ownership or shares of ownership of vessels on the Port Control Register must be notified to the Board of Administration through the offices of the Harbour Authority within 28 days of the transfer. Any changes of address affecting the owner(s) of a vessel on the Port Control Register must also be notified within 28 days of the change. If any boat on the Port Control Register is wrecked, broken up or permanently removed from the island, notification should be made to the Board of Administration within 28 days. A logbook is issued on registration of the vessel. This is an official document and should be kept in a safe but accessible place unless required for amendment by the Harbour Authority. The logbook must be surrendered for changes of ownership or owner's address details.

 

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