Jersey

About the Flag

Jersey is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation. It is one of the Channel Islands located in the English Channel between the UK and France. The British Register of Ships in Jersey is the largest Category 2 registry in the Red Ensign Group.

The island has specific tax, ownership and Social Security advantages for its ships and for crew employment contracts managed under Jersey Law. It is not part of the EU Social Security or VAT regimes. EU resident users may prefer to pay VAT on importation into the Union. Alternatively, temporary importation into the EU is available for all yachts for 18 months at a time. This makes the Jersey registry ideal for non-EU owners whether they wish to sail in EU waters or worldwide.

On 26 November 2013 the Shipping Register in Jersey took a major step towards being a fully open register – A new MOU with the United Kingdom’s MCA was been signed so that the Island can register commercial vessels, including workboats, up to 399 gt. (The previous limit was just 150gt). This followed an amending Order in Council made in May and local Jersey legislation passed in November. It is also the culmination of developments which have seen the appointment of the Island’s Marine Surveyor and agreements being reached with Recognised Organisations such as Lloyd's Register and RINA. The MOU lays down ship safety standards, quality objectives and a delegation matrix which are all in line with full Category 1 jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man and the Cayman Islands so this move lays the groundwork for future expansion should the Island want it. In the meantime, the advantages of Jersey as an efficient pragmatic British Register which lies outside the EU continue to be appreciated and the Registry has already seen growth of over 10% this year ahead of this expansion.

The Small Ships Register

The Small Ships Register (SSR) is an inexpensive and simple method to show where your ship is registered when you enter international waters or foreign ports. The SSR is only applicable to Jersey residents.

Registration with the SSR costs less than full registration but it does not provide proof of ownership and a marine mortgage cannot be recorded. If you require this, you should apply for full registration.