Members' Area

Here are some answers to our most asked questions

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for send us a message using our contact us form at the bottom of the page.

Need to register a fishing vessel?

View the handy MCA guide for this purpose.

When do I need a comparison (pre-registration) inspection?
  1. If the vessel is new to the UK fishing vessel register
  2. If the vessels Certificate of Registry has expired and it has been over 6 months since said expiry date (U15m LOA), for those that are 15m LOA to 24 RL there is no 6 month grace period and so will require an inspection from the date of expiry.
  3. If the vessel has been removed from the registry by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
  4. For full details please see MGN 630
If I wish to modify my vessel who do I need to speak to?

In the first instance you will need to contact your local MCA Marine Office as they will advise the next steps. SCMS provide the following services on behalf of the MCA for modifications: o plan/information approval and subsequent surveys for modifications o Verification of draught marks (where applicable) o Witnessing simplified stability tests, click here regarding these tests To Note: If the modification changes any of the dimensions of the vessel i.e. Length Overall (LOA), Registered Length (RL), Depth (D), Breadth (B), or any breaks in deck then the vessel will also require a re-measurement and a new Certificate of Measurement produced.

What services do SCMS provide for new build fishing vessels?
  1. Plan appraisal services, which includes modification to specification should the build deviate from the approved plans during construction.
  2. Yard Inspection services in-line with the requirements of the MCA. The MCA documentation is can be found here, however SCMS have developed their own documentation and examples in-line with this document for further clarity.
  3. Hull and Outfit Certification for vessels less than 15m LOA (requirement for commercial fishing vessel registry purposes). Click here for the applicable construction standards, and here for the applicable Code of Practice
  4. Certificates of measurement for both under 15m LOA, and the 15m LOA to 24m RL fishing vessels. Click here for MCA guidance on tonnage measurement
  5. Fishing Vessel Tonnage Certificate for 15m LOA to 24m RL fishing vessels.
What if I have a structural design that does not fit the tabulated standard of MGN 628?

The SCMS FVCA technical team have a vast knowledge of the fishing vessel construction standards and are able to structural assess unconventional structural arrangements to these standards as an equivalence. Where a structure falls short of the requirements the team will advise and provide examples of how it can be altered, or scantlings increased to achieve acceptance.

The SCMS FVCA team are more than happy to offer advice and guidance regarding any further questions to the above FAQ’s, or indeed just general questions relating to the services we provide to the fishing industry.

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

Fishing Vessels