This form declares the sale and transfer of ownership of a British-registered vessel.
Remember: it’s not until a bill of sale has been recorded with the RSS (Registry of Shipping and Seamen) and a new certificate has been issued that a buyer of a UK-registered vessel obtains complete title.
Should there be any change of address, all registered owners must inform the Registry. Unless they are buying as joint owners, if one owner is selling to two or more owners, separate bills of sale are required.
On this form, we have marked which information must be given. That includes details about the vessel (such as its name, Official Number) and details of the sale. Before filling out the form, know the state of any registered mortgages against the vessel, and whether they have been satisfied or are outstanding.
Note: In the event that the sale is by a LLP or company, the rules are different in Scotland than they are in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you have any questions, we recommend you reach us during office hours or message us online.
These forms have been optimized for mobile devices. As such, they can be completed from anywhere and at any time. We see this as one more way that we can make the process easier for all parties involved in a vessel sale.
No longer are you tethered to a desktop computer when completing these forms. Instead, they can be completed from anywhere, even at port or on a vessel itself. Good luck to you in your vessel sale.
Boat Bill of Sale UK – Vessel Bill of Sale Form Guide
Transferring a boat that is in the UK by just a handshake is not allowed. The transfer of ownership of the boat must be accompanied by a bill of sale. This document is the legal evidence of the transfer and it is also needed for the change of ownership at the MCA.
We at Vessel Registrar, assist and guide you in making your bill of sale correctly so that you are both, the buyer and the seller, safeguarded by the UK maritime law.
What Is a Vessel Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is a legal document that confirms the transfer of ownership from one party to another. It records the terms of the sale and identifies the parties, the vessel, and the agreed consideration.
A valid bill of sale includes:
- Full names and addresses of buyer and seller
- Vessel details (name, official number, type, tonnage)
- Sale price or consideration
- Date of transaction
- Signatures of both parties
This document becomes part of the official ship registration record when submitted to the MCA.