UK Fisheries Administrations (UKFAs) call on fishermen with vessels 12 metres and longer to register with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Access for UK boats to fish in EU, Norwegian or Faroese waters after the UK leaves the EU will be a matter for negotiation. Should access to fishing be agreed, fishermen in the over 12m fleet will have to ensure their vessel has an IMO number to be licensed to fish outside UK waters when we leave the EU.
The UKFAs are urging fishermen to apply to the IMO now to make certain they have registered in good time for the UK’s departure.
IMO registration is free. UK fishing vessels will also have to submit their number to the Single Issuing Authority (SIA), established by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of the UKFAs, to manage licensing for commercial fishing in non-UK waters. The deadline for IMO numbers to be submitted to the SIA is the end of September.
Fishermen can download the IMO registration application form here. Fishing vessel owners should complete the form and send it to ship.imo@ihs.com to register with the IMO.
When fishermen have received their IMO number they should email it to the SIA at UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk along with their Port Letter and Number (PLN) and Registry of Shipping and Seamen (RSS) number. All skippers and vessel owners, whether they have an IMO number or not, are also asked to register their email address with the SIA, to speed up issuing of the new licences that will be required when the UK leaves the EU.
Q&A
- Do all UK fishing vessels need an IMO number?
Any UK fishing vessel, refrigerated cargo vessel or supply vessel 12 metres in length or above will need to register with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to be licensed to fish outside of UK waters after Brexit.
What is an IMO number?
The International Maritime Organization number is a unique reference for ships. IMO numbers were introduced to improve maritime safety and security and to reduce maritime fraud. It consists of the three letters “IMO” followed by the seven-digit number assigned to all ships by IHS Fairplay constructed.
Will UK boats be able to access EU waters in a No Deal Brexit?
There will be no automatic access for UK-registered vessels to fish in EU, EEA or third country waters in No Deal Brexit. Access for UK boats to fish in EU, Norwegian or Faroese waters after Brexit will be a matter for negotiation.
- How do I get an IMO number?
Fishermen can download the IMO registration application form here or from the IMO website. Fishing vessel owners should complete the form and send it to ship.imo@ihs.com to register with the IMO.
When fishermen have received their IMO number they should email it to the SIA at UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk along with their Port Letter and Number (PLN) and Registry of Shipping and Seamen (RSS) number.
When do I need to get an IMO number?
The UKFAs are urging fishermen to apply to the IMO now to make certain they have registered in good time for the UK’s departure.
How long does it take to get an IMO number?
According to the IMO website, it can take up to 5 working days to receive an IMO Ship Identification Number. Fishermen are being encouraged to apply for an IMO number now to ensure they receive it in good time for the UK’s departure.
All IMO numbers will need to be sent to the MMO via UKSIA@marinemanagement.org.uk, so accurate records can be maintained
