Skip to content Skip to navigation Skip to sub-navigation

Regulations 

Pleasure Craft Regulations
An overview of the regulations boaters in the UK must comply with and the equipment required when boating for personal pleasure.
Commercial Craft Regulations
Information for owners of boats that take fare paying passengers and guidance relating to club owned boats
Marine Licensing
All vessels operating in tidal and coastal waters will need to comply with new marine licensing requirements.
Inland Regulations
Whether your boat is in private or commercial use, the regulations will vary depending on which Authority presides over the particular waterway.
Licensing Onboard Electronics
Your VHF Radio, EPIRB, Radar, TV etc. must all be covered by appropriate licences, as must any other transmitting equipment onboard a boat. 
Recreational Craft Directive
Applies to virtually all recreational craft built since 16 June 1998 and intended for sport and leisure use, within the EEA.
Flag Etiquette
Flag etiquette is a combination of law, good manners and tradition. Being ill-informed of your obligations could lead you to cause insult at home or abroad by giving a signal you do not intend to
Tonnage Surveys
RYA Tonnage Measurers are able to carry out tonnage measurement for the purpose of Part 1 Registration with the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen.
IMO Guidelines for the Security of Pleasure Craft
Advice for pleasure crafts
Red Diesel
Buying diesel supplies for your pleasure craft is becoming increasingly complex. Make sure you are buying the correct fuel, at the correct price, supported by the correct paperwork.
Towing and roof racking
The aim of this section is to provide those members towing boats, or roofracking dinghies, masts or other boat equipment, a summary of the road vehicle law that affects them.
Marine and Coastal Access Act
This Act intends to put in place better systems for delivering sustainable development of the marine environment.
Water Framework Directive
The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) promotes a new approach to water management through river basin planning.
Carrying Knives
This area of the site aims to provide clear guidance on the carrying of sailing knives by sailors.

Join the RYA

members save 15% on books and more at the rya shop!

All the reasons to join Join online now
15% Off

See Also

Boat Registration

Secure

About the UK Ship Register

Firearms Regulations

Carriage of firearms (including very pistols) on-board a recreational boat

Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

Weather Forecasts

Tidal Predictions