Small Ships Register (SSR)

[Little Gem]

I fitted a marine VHF/DSC radio to our little motor cabin cruiser a little while ago and recently took a look at Short Range Courses and the online licence application form, which asks about boat registration. Our 'Little Gem' doesn't appear to have been registered other than with a local River & Canal Trust (RCT). So we got it done. Our little 20ft cabin cruiser is now registered as a 'ship'.. albeit a small one.

[betty boop]

well done. Whats the rules on displaying numbers? I see some pics of boats with their registrations advertised but Ive never done it.

[Little Gem]

It can take up to twenty days for the SSR agency to process the application - and we only applied yesterday. I guess we'll find out the rules of display when it arrives. Technically, registration is not compulsory within your own national territorial waters.

For general information, it costs £25 for five years of basic Type III registration of privately owned craft under 24m in length.

[BruceK]

Why did you feel it necessary to register your boat. I'm presuming here for an SR number? You don't need that for a ship radio license. Is it a river / canal requirement?

[ColinR]

Really you only need an SSR number if you are intending to take the boat out of British waters. Some (all?) river and canal authorities have their own registration requirements however.

[Little Gem]

Our little cabin cruiser is trailer mounted - and we may wish to take her abroad.

[ChrisH]

I usually register mine for purposes of taking abroad. Never displayed the SR number though. Just take the paper work with me just in case.

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[Little Gem]

well done. Whats the rules on displaying numbers? I see some pics of boats with their registrations advertised but Ive never done it.

This information arrived with the registration document..

"You must ensure that your vessel is marked with its registered number (including the prefix 'SSR'). This must be painted on, or fixed to the exterior of the hull, deck or superstructure where it can be readily seen."

Additional details are also provided.

A pair of waterproof, self-adhesive SSR numbers that comply to size requirements, can be purchased on Ebay for just a couple of quid.