Obligation to declare its entries or exits in the United Kingdom
The British government, through the UK Border Force, the agency responsible for border control operations, has developed a new digital reporting service known as "Single Pleasure Craft Reporting." Boaters are encouraged to favor this system when leaving or entering the UK, from European countries, the Channel Islands or the rest of the world.
It has been mandatory to inform UK customs of one's travel plans out of and into the country, including a cruise out of and into the European Union, since the UK left the EU in 2020. As of 1 er as of January 1, 2022, this reporting is done via the electronic reporting form e-C1331 entitled "Pleasure Craft Reporting Template" or by mail with form C1131.
Make your declaration online
The new online service, which is available in "beta" mode, will eventually replace the various forms. If the other two methods are still accepted for the time being, the declaration via the new online service is a preferred option.
This new service aims to make the experience more accessible and facilitate the registration of departures and arrivals. This beta version will certainly be enriched with modifications based on the users' experience.
Use of the service
Each user will need to first create an account and then add a recreational boat before submitting their trip plan and include the following information:
- Registration number of the boat
- MMSI and call sign
- AIS transponder and not only receiver
- Contact information for skipper or skipper's manager
- Full names, date and place of birth, details of passport or identity documents required for all persons on board
- Dangerous Goods Documentation
- Estimated date, time and place of departure and arrival
This travel plan must be submitted at least two hours, but no more than 24 hours before departure. The beta version allows a 2-hour window for estimated time slots. If your arrival time or location changes, you will be able to update your information directly online or call the UK Border Force Operations Center in your arrival area.
Fly the Q flag
Every foreign yacht arriving in the UK, including the Channel Islands, must display the "Q" flag on entering UK waters, from 12 miles offshore and, unless the Border Force says otherwise, call National Yachtline on 0800 123 2012 on arrival. The latter will issue you a clearance, tell you to wait for a Border Force agent or contact one of the regional numbers.
The Q flag, which means "My vessel is unharmed, I request freedom of movement" and is yellow in color, must be flown and all crew must remain on board until you receive clearance from a border force officer.
