UK compliance guide
UK Boat Marking Requirements
A practical overview of the UK vessel markings we supply as marine vinyl stickers — SSR, Canal & River Trust, EA Thames names, and decorative lettering.
Overview
UK boats may need different markings depending on how and where they are registered or licensed. This guide summarises the marking types we cut most often, how they are typically placed, and which designer to use.
Plain-language note: This is not legal advice. Rules and enforcement can change. Always confirm with the Small Ships Register, Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency, or your marina/harbour authority before relying on stickers for compliance.
Which marking do you need?
Pick the authority that matches your boat, then jump to that section for placement and sizing detail.
Small Ships Register — Hull Marking Requirements
Authority: Small Ships Register (Part 3)
Placement: External surface of the hull
Example format: SSR123456
- SSR number: Format SSR followed by registration digits on the external hull
- Vessel name: Registered vessel name on the outside of the hull
- Home port: Optional — owner's choice, no prescribed size
- Material: Law permits painted or affixed markings — vinyl is acceptable
Vinyl affixed markings are acceptable for SSR hull display when correctly applied.
Canal & River Trust — Boat Marking Requirements
Authority: Canal & River Trust
Placement: Both sides of boat, visible from towpath/waterway
- CRT index number: Generally 5 or 6 digits on both sides
- Boat name: Registered boat name on both sides
- Material: CRT explicitly accepts vinyl stick-on markings
CRT explicitly accepts vinyl stick-on markings for licensed boats.
CRT Tender Markings
Tenders belonging to a CRT-licensed parent vessel should be clearly marked so they can be identified with that boat.
Typical format: TENDER TO {name} {index}
Placement: On tender — must be clearly marked
River Thames — Registered Boat Name Requirements
Authority: Environment Agency – River Thames
Placement: Bow and stern, each side
- Boat name: Exact registered boat name on bow and stern
- Sizing: 2" (≤20 ft), 3" (20–30 ft), 4" (30–50 ft), 6" (>50 ft) character height
- Material: Vinyl can be used for the registered name
Character height by boat length
| Boat length | Min. height (in) | Min. height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 ft | 2" | 51 mm |
| 20–30 ft | 3" | 76 mm |
| 30–50 ft | 4" | 102 mm |
| Up to 9999 ft | 6" | 152 mm |
Order stickers for bow and stern so both ends of the vessel can be marked.
Vinyl can be used for the registered boat name on the Thames.
Decorative boat names
Decorative lettering is optional branding for your vessel. It is not a substitute for SSR, CRT or Thames registered markings where those are required.
What we do not sell as vinyl replacements
River Thames — Official Registration Plate
Official registration plate — do not sell as a vinyl replacement. Contact the Environment Agency for official plates.
UK Ship Register Part 1 — Official Markings
Ordinary vinyl is not a compliant replacement for official Part 1 carving/marking requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use vinyl stickers for SSR markings?
Yes. SSR rules allow painted or affixed markings on the external hull. Marine vinyl stickers are an accepted way to display your SSR number and vessel name when applied correctly.
Does Canal & River Trust accept vinyl stickers?
Yes. CRT explicitly accepts vinyl stick-on markings. Index numbers and boat names should appear on both sides, visible from the towpath or waterway.
How tall should River Thames boat name letters be?
Character height depends on boat length: about 51mm (2") up to 20 ft, 76mm (3") for 20–30 ft, 102mm (4") for 30–50 ft, and 152mm (6") over 50 ft. Order for bow and stern placement.
What is a CRT tender marking?
Tenders for CRT-licensed parent boats are typically marked in the form TENDER TO [parent boat name] [CRT index], so the tender is clearly linked to the licensed vessel.
Do you sell official Thames registration plates or Part 1 carved markings?
No. Official EA registration plates and UK Ship Register Part 1 carved/official markings are not something we replace with ordinary vinyl. Contact the relevant authority for those.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page summarises common marking types we supply. Always confirm current requirements with SSR, CRT, the Environment Agency, or your harbour/marina authority before relying on stickers for compliance.
Next steps
Once you know which marking you need, design online with UK size presets, or read how to apply vinyl cleanly on the hull.
Related Guides
Ready to design your UK markings?
Open the SSR, CRT or Thames designer with presets matched to this guide.