CHANGES TO OUTBOARD ENGINE POWER DECLARATION FOR FISHING VESSEL REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
UK fisheries administrations and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have announced changes to the rules regarding registration and licensing of fishing vessels operating with outboard engines.
From 14th October 2011 only the engine manufacturer's specified power output will be taken into account when applying for fishing vessel registry and fishing licences with the UK Shipping Registry and UK fisheries administrations. In addition multiple outboard engines will be recorded as the combined engine power of the vessel.
Owners of fishing vessels currently registered with de-rated outboard engines may be the subject of engine power tests and if found to be fitted with engines in excess of their stated power rating will be required to obtain extra licence units or replace the engines.
Those already in the process of registering their vessels will be permitted to register and license their vessel with a de-rated outboard engine provided that they can provide satisfactory evidence of having purchased and de-rated the engine prior to the date of this announcement. allowed to retain their currently declared engine power, however this will be subject to a number of conditions.
Details of the methodology of the de-rate as undertaken and certificated by the manufacturer will be required. Where a ‘throttle’ stop is applied this will not be considered as suitable method of de-rate and the power will be deemed to be that of the engine.
For more information contact local Marine Management Organisation (MMO) offices, details of which can be found on the MMO website ( http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/contacts/local.htm ).