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SCMS are approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for the Certification of small fishing vessels.

As a not-for-profit, we are committed to providing efficient and cost effective services to the fishing industry.

Our expertise

SCMS are currently the leading Certifying Authority for fishing vessels services in the UK. Certification was previously authorised under Seafish until 2020 when we were entrusted by the MCA to undertake this work.

Richard Blackhurst, who brings many years of experience within the Marine Industry from his beginnings as a plater to his previous position at Seafish as Head of Marine Survey.

Working alongside Richard, our principle surveyor Lorna Webb, is a chartered engineer, MRINA with a degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering. Lorna previously worked for Seafish, Lloyds Register and The American Bureau of Shipping carrying out plan approval and surveys on all types and sizes of vessels.

The SCMS have a team of experienced Fishing Vessel Examiners nationwide all of which bring a wealth of industry knowledge.

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Richard Blackhurst

Head of Fishing Vessel Survey

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Lorna Webb

Principal Fishing Vessel Surveyor

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Find out more about our fishing vessel authorisation by the MCA on the government website here.

What services do we offer?

  • New build Surveys of New Fishing Vessels of less than 15m LOA
  • Pre-Registration Surveys for Fishing Vessels <24m RL
  • Simplified Stability for New Fishing Vessels <12m RL
  • Tonnage Measurement for Fishing Vessels <24m RL
  • Plan Approval of Construction and Outfit Arrangements for New Fishing Vessels of less than 15m LOA
  • Plan Approval and Survey for New and Existing Fishing Vessels less than 15m LOA Subject to Modification
  • Witnessing of Draught Markings for New Fishing Vessels less than 15m LOA
  • Freeboard Verification for New Fishing Vessels under 12m RL
  • Audit of Builder’s Premises for builders of vessels less than 15m LOA

Application Process

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Contact us

We’re happy to answer any questions!
You can reach us via email, post or by using the contact form:

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Telephone

(+44) 02380 016494