Survey and Inspection of Fishing Vessels - Fishing Vessels of 15m Length Overall and Over

A UK regulatory notice explains how owners should book and prepare for surveys and inspections of fishing vessels, including the timeframe tied to certificates. The guidance says inspections can begin up to six months before a Fishing Vessel Certificate expires, and owners should contact their local Marine Office if the expiry date is uncertain. It also instructs vessel operators to organize inspections to reduce repeat visits, noting that well-prepared vessels can often be completed in one visit. The Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) surveys UK commercial fishing vessels above 15 meters overall length to confirm compliance with legal safety requirements, issuing the relevant safety certificate after a successful survey. For vessels between 15 and under 24 meters, the required document is the United Kingdom Fishing Vessel Certificate. The notice warns that if a mandatory inspection cannot be done within the specified period, MCA must be informed with proof of exceptional circumstances, or the case may be referred to RSS for de-registration procedures to begin.