FAQs?
Q: Do vessels have to be located in the United Kingdom for them to qualify for the National Register of Historic Vessels?
A: Yes, the vessel has to be based and operating in UK waters.
Q: Do vessels have to be floating or operational to qualify for the National Register of Historic Vessels?
A: No, vessels not in operational use, and stored on land or in museums are included. The vessel has to be substantially intact.
Q: If I nominate my boat for the National Register of Historic Vessels, will any subsequent work on the vessel or its use or sale be affected by heritage restrictions?
A: No, nominated vessels do not become subject to any heritage restrictions and we have no authority to control how a vessel is maintained, repaired or used; nor is the information released outside of the National Historic Ships Register. However we are understandably keen to ensure that the significance of any historic vessel under repair is retained and we are therefore happy to give advice (and in some instances a small grant) to help maintain authenticity.
Q: How do I nominate my vessel for the National Register of Historic Vessels?
A: Go to the Registration Form, with a cup of tea or coffee and as much information as you have about your vessel, and complete the online questionnaire. Or you can print it out blank, and return by mail or fax.
Q: Do I need to supply an image of my vessel?
A: Yes, this is essential. As of 1 April 2008, a high resolution image is part of the registration process and before we publish details on the website we expect owners to supply one or more images of their vessel.
Q. What are the benefits of registering my vessels and does this cost anything.
Registration is completely free, and once accepted you will receive a certificate and a copy of our annual report. After 6 months you are eligible to apply for one of our small grants. You can also contact us for advice on your vessel restoration or anything else you may need assistance on.
Q: Can I nominate a craft belonging to someone else?
A: No the vessel must be nominated by the owner and with the owner's details included on the form. Or you can copy the form and pass it on to encourage the owner of another vessel to nominate their craft.
Q: How old does a vessel have to be if it is to be nominated for the National Register of Historic Vessels?
A: The vessel should be at least 50 years old.
Q: Does a vessel have to be built in the UK to be included on the National Register of Historic Vessels?
A: Yes, the only exception is for vessels built outside the UK for specific UK purposes between 1939 and 1945.
Q: How do I define if my vessel is significant enough to be included on the register?
A: The nomination form lists four areas in which a vessel can have significance. She may have strong and important connections to a community, she may be able to teach us something about its construction or use, she may be a very rare or significant vessel, or it may have strong and important connections to significant people or events. One or more of these criteria should be met for the vessel to be considered for nomination. Based on the information you provide, the case officer will assess the significance on your vessel.
Q: Is there any restriction on the size or type of vessel to be nominated for the National Register of Historic Vessels?
A: Yes, there are size restrictions. The minimum length is 40ft (12.19 metres) not including bowsprit. The National Small Boat Register based at National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth is developing a separate register for vessels under 40ft in length. To apply for registration click here http://www.nmmc.co.uk/images/uploaded/downloads/NSBR_entry_form.pdf
Q: What information is required to nominate a vessel for the National Register of Historic Vessels?
A: The Registration Form outlines a series of questions relating to your vessel: ownership, historic significance, construction, configuration, condition and documentation. Fill out those areas you are able to answer which are relevant to your vessel, and then return the form with any images and research information you have. The National Register of Historic Vessels Case Officer will contact you to follow up your registration.
PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL BE UNABLE TO REGISTER YOUR VESSEL IF YOU DO NOT COMPLETE ALL QUESTIONS AND SUPPLY ALL INFORMATION (E.G. PHOTOGRAPHS) ASKED FOR IN THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM.
Q: Where can I get restoration work done?
A: Shipwrights and other tradespeople are qualified to do many of the jobs required to restore a vessel, and there are a growing number with experience of restoration work on older vessels. We are working on a list of people with specialized maritime skills and this should be available later in the year.
Q: What are the priorities or guidelines for a restoration project?
A: National Historic Ships encourage people to retain as much of the original structure or integrity of the vessel as is practical. If restoration work is required, we encourage work that identifies a particular time or event in the vessel's history and tries to configure the vessel to that point in time. In some cases preservation of the vessel in its current state is preferable to major restoration and rebuilding work. It is recommended that before any work is done, the existing structure is assessed, photographs and notes taken, and if possible plans drawn for the work required. It will be necessary to undertake research to find evidence of the vessel's earlier configuration, by sourcing pictures, plans and contemporary reports or documents that can be used as primary sources. For more information read our guidelines on understanding historic vessels
Q: How can I research and document my vessel?
A: A comprehensive documentation of a vessel includes information and images of the boat as it exists, and of its history, noting the various stages it has passed through and any important events. It can include plans and drawings, (original or recently drawn), registry or other official papers, any references, articles or stories in the media, (including audio visual material), and anything else which might add to the knowledge of the boat and its use. The documentation can begin with just a few pieces of information, which can be gradually built up, to eventually form a more complete picture of the craft.
Q: Where do I find information about my vessel's history?
A: For more information on your vessel, the first port of call may be the National Maritime Museum Caird Library, click here to review their search guides. Research guides: The Library: Collections: NMM . If you are looking for ships plans click here http://nationalhistoricships.org.uk/histphotos.cfm
In addition, previous owners often have information, as do local libraries, historical societies, and other groups such as yacht clubs and community, sporting or special interest associations.
Q: Can I use the National Register of Historic Vessels to contact other owners?
A: Vessel owner details are not be made public. So if you would like to contact an owner please us know and we will pass on your interest. It will be the owner's choice to respond to you.
Q: Can I obtain any grants for my vessel?
A: Yes. National Historic Ships may make small grants to assist owners ensure the long term sustainability of historic vessels. From 1st April 2008 only those vessels that have been registered for at least 6 months will be eligible for a grant. There are other possible sources of grants – see the Grants section on our website: http://nationalhistoricships.org.uk/grants/sources.pdf