Charter Licensing

All vessels operating in UK waters for commercial gain must be licensed to do so. The principal method of licensing a vessel is through the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Codes of Practice for Small Commercial Vessels.

Codes of Practice

In 1994 the Department of Transport introduced legislation to license all UK flagged private vessels engaged in commercial operation.

Procedure

The following forms are to be completed and signed by the Owner/Managing Agent and the Nominated Surveyor and forwarded with the required fees to the YDSA before a Small Commercial Vessel Certificate can be issued:

Licensing Act 2003

The changes in licensing requirements bought in with the 2003 Licensing Act had significant implications for charter yachts operating in the UK.

Costs

Certification Fees: Effective from 1st May 2009

The Professional Charters Association
The Professional Charters Association