Changes To Outboard Engine Power Declaration for Fishing Vessels

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 14 October 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 before 14 October 2011.

Details of the methodology used and certification from the manufacturer will be required. Where a throttle stop is applied this will not be considered as a suitable method and the power will be deemed to be that of the engine.

For more information contact Jonathan Campbell, DARD, Fisheries and Environment Division, Control and Monitoring Branch Tel: 028 9052 4971

The Council Regulation (EC) 1224/2009 (PDF 1.8 MB) establishes measures to ensure compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy.  The regulation obliges member states to undertake verification of the declared engine power of fishing vessels.

As part of this verification the UK fisheries administrations will be conducting physical tests of engine power.

It is prohibited to fish with a fishing vessel whose actual engine power exceeds that stated in the fishing licence.