Register FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the National Register of Historic Vessels

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 but they must be substantially intact.

Q: If I nominate my vessel 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. Registered Vessels do not become subject to any heritage restrictions and we have no authority to control how a vessel is maintained, repaired or used. However we are 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.

Vessels in the National Historic Fleet are subject to the Waverley Committee regulations for the export of cultural assets of national importance.

Q: How do I nominate my vessel for the National Register of Historic Vessels?

A: Go to the Registration Form and complete the online questionnaire.

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 one year 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. The Register is also an informal community of common interests and therefore a good way of understanding what is going on in the world of historic vessels. Owners will receive regular e-news letters and we are experimenting with a forum where owners and interested parties can share information and relevant experiences.