Every ship, other than a fishing vessel less than 24 metres in length F1to which Part IIA of Merchant Shipping Tonnage Regulations 1997 does not apply, shall before registration be surveyed by a surveyor of ships and her tonnage ascertained in accordance with the F2Tonnage Regulations.

A fishing vessel of less than 24 metres F3other than a fishing vessel to which Part IIA of the Tonnage Regulations applies shall before registration be measured by an authorised measurer and her tonnage calculated in accordance with the tonnage regulations made under the Merchant Shipping Act 1965.

After survey or measurement, the surveyor or measurer shall issue a certificate specifying the ship’s tonnage and build and such other particulars describing the identity of the ship as may be required by the Secretary of State.The certificate shall be delivered to the Registrar before the ship may be registered.