Jersey Warns Of Boat Registration Deadline

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

13 January 2011

Boat owners in Jersey have been warned that they face a fine of GBP200 if they do not register their vessels for 2011 by the end of January.

The Jersey government has warned that all craft owned by a person ordinarily resident in the island must be registered with Jersey Harbours in order to conform with regulations.

Local registrations are split into 2 different categories depending on the type and speed of craft:

• Any mechanically-propelled vessel under 30 feet in overall length designed for or capable of travelling on the sea at a speed in excess of 12 knots. The craft will be allocated a 'JY' number which must be displayed on both sides of the hull where it must be visible at all times; and
• Boats of 8 feet or over in length (not falling within the category above) must register once only, but vessels must be re-registered by the new owner if ownership changes.

Sailboards, surfboards, kayaks, canoes and kite surfers must also be registered, but this process is mostly completed through the respective clubs and associations who will provide third party liability insurance with club membership.

Jersey Harbours' Commercial Director, Myra Shacklady, stated: “Most boat owners are aware that they need to register their boats annually, but we want to remind people that they do need to have a valid reason if they have not registered their boat in time. Sometimes, for example, a boat has simply fallen into disrepair and is no longer seaworthy, in which case it is important that people let us know so that we can ensure they are not unnecessarily fined.”

“It is easy to register or re-register boats through the Harbours office and we also have all the details and appropriate forms on the Jersey Marinas website,” she said.

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