Changing a boat registration

[Heg]

Hi there
Has anyone here changed a boat registration ? Our registration is currently NZ and it is up for renewal soon. For various reasons, we wish to change the registration to the Uk . ( we are both Uk Citizens and can provide a uk address)
We’re just wondering how tricky it is to do this and assuming that we will have to get new MMSI numbers etc .
Anyone got any tips ?
Thanks

[fxykty]

Super easy.

Step one is to close the NZ part B registration. As you are the owner you do it yourself. The Maritime NZ page shows that you can close the registration if one of the following occurs: ship is sold, ownership changes other than by sale, any of the descriptive particulars of the ship change. I guess either the second or third reason could apply. No fee is listed.

Step two is the register with the UK part 1 register. As UK citizens you qualify, but must provide a representative who is resident in the UK (you could lie and use someone else’s UK address as your own, but that wouldn’t be legal). For part 3 registration you would need to be resident in the UK at least 185 days per year so you wouldn’t qualify (it’s a lot cheaper and easier though). Depending on the size of your boat you may need a full tonnage survey to be done, which is a bit of a pain as you have to find a local surveyor who is registered with a one of a variety of UK and international measuring authorities. The one we used in NZ representing Lloyd’s retired last year.

Step three is to apply for a ship radio licence for all radio equipment, including portable radios and EPIRBs. This provides a MMSI for all your radio equipment. There is a portable radio license that is used for handhelds and EPIRBs, but it’s only for use in UK waters. These licences are free and are easily managed online.