What documentation should I carry onboard a British registered yacht cruising in foreign waters?
As a minimum, the yacht’s original Certificate of Registry should always be carried onboard in addition to the original Radio Licence (if transmitting/radar equipment fitted), proof of the yacht’s VAT or taxation status and proof of insurance, not only for the yacht itself but also proof of sufficient Third Party Liability cover (including local translations where applicable). The vessel should also fly the correct flag, which in the case of a British registered vessel is the red ensign. If the vessel is chartering then its original Certificate of MCA Code of Practice compliance should be carried, together with any local licenses that may be required for the yacht to charter. It is also useful to carry the charter agreement onboard. In addition to the aforementioned vessel documentation, it is prudent for anybody onboard to carry their passports and, where appropriate, radio operator’s certificates and evidence of sailing qualifications. Where the yacht is owned by a company, it is use
