We are in the process of buying a barge

[DBA Forum (B) - Julian Edwards]

After several years waiting to sell our property and buy a barge, it finally happened and this week we started the purchase process of a replica 17m barge.
The broker H2O has offered to register it for us in France, no cost to us apparently. Is there any reason why we should not take this option and register the boat directly in the UK?

[DBA Forum (B) - Andy Soper]

Hello Julian,

If you register as a French ship then you immediately become subject to French inspection regimes.

I would be surprised if this was a zero cost option.

The UK SSR is £25 and you can register on-line - https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/ssr/ssr/

[DBA Forum (B) - Julian Edwards]

Thank you, Andy. Assuming we then register in the UK we seem to have two options, SSR or Part-1. As we are under 20m would Part-1 be better for us?

[DBA Forum (B) - Andy Soper]

Yes - Part 1costs hundreds of pounds - and is usually only needed if you are buying your boat on a marine mortgage or similar financing.

Best Wishes

Andy Soper
Chairman
DBA - The Barge Association

mv Neeltje

The Netherlands

+44 (0)7940598364

DBA - The Barge Association
"You don't need a barge to join - a dream of barging in Europe will do!"
See www.barges.org

Post by DBA Forum (B) - Julian Edwards
Thank you, Andy. Assuming we then register in the UK we seem to have two options, SSR or Part-1. As we are under 20m would Part-1 be better for us?

[DBA Forum (B) - Nigel Seaman]

Julian,

If your ship is under 20 metres and is privately owned, then I would go the Part III / SSR route. The rationale being that it is the less expensive option whilst still providing the necessary proof of nationality when going overseas.
The SSR qualification notes can be found here: https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/ssr/ssr/notes.asp

Regards,

[DBA Forum (B) - Tim Hackett]

proof of nationality yes, but not proof of ownership. if the ship is to be your home think about part 1 even though it's more costly. Might be worth it in then long run.

Tim

[DBA Forum (B) - Nigel Seaman]

Tim,

Thanks for pointing that out.

Regards,

[DBA Forum (B) - Julian Edwards]

Thank's everyone, I am clearer now on my options.
Regards
Julian