Tonnage measurement of UK ships: Authorised organisations
This webpage provides a list of organisations authorised under UK legislation to conduct tonnage measurement and issue certification on UK registered vessels.
The Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations 1997 (SI 1997 No. 1510):
Part II - Application, Ascertainment of Tonnage and Certification for United Kingdom Ships of 24 Metres in Length and Over; and
Part III - Application, Ascertainment of Tonnage and Certification for United Kingdom Ships of Less Than 24 Metres in Length, Other Than Fishing Vessels;
The legislation also requires that the person undertaking tonnage measurements satisfies the requirements set out by the MCA.
Recognised Organisations (ROs) are those organisations the UK has recognised to comply with its international obligations in relation to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Code for Recognised Organisations.
Small commercial vessel (SCV) Certifying Authorities (CAs) are those organisations the UK has authorised to examine and certificate SCVs in accordance with the requirements of the following legislation:
Fishing Vessel Certifying Authorities (FVCAs) are those organisations the UK has authorised to examine and certificate small fishing vessels in accordance with the applicable requirements of the following legislation and codes:
MSN 1871 as maybe amended, (The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length Overall);
MSN 1872 as maybe amended, (The Code of Safe Working Practice for the Construction and Use of Fishing Vessels of 15m Length Overall to less than 24m Registered Length)
MGN 630 - FISHING VESSELS: Pre-Registration surveys for Fishing vessels of less than 15m Length Overall built before 16 July 2007 and existing vessels of 15m Length overall to less than 24m Registered Length wishing to join the UK Register
ROs are authorised to undertake tonnage measurement of all UK ships.
SCV CAs are authorised to undertake tonnage measurement of ships under 24 metres in length excluding fishing vessels. SCV CAs are also authorised to undertake tonnage measurement of pre-ITC’69 vessels (keel laid before 21st July 1968) of less than 150 tons but 24m in length or over.
FVCAs can be authorised to undertake tonnage measurement of fishing vessels under 24 metres in length.
2. Authorised Organisations to measure tonnage by vessel type and length
All UK Ships of 24m in length and above
All UK ships under 24m in length excluding fishing vessels
*Note: Class NK is not authorised for tonnage measurements of fishing vessels
3. List of Tonnage Authorities
The following is a list of the offices of Recognised Organisations and Certifying Authorities authorised by the MCA as ‘Tonnage Authorities’ through formal agreement to undertake tonnage measurement of UK ships:
Recognised Organisations (ROs)
American Bureau of Shipping Europe Ltd
Eagle House 10 Berrymoor Court Northumberland Business Park Cramlington NE23 7RZ
Updated Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023. Minor change to table at section 2 (Mecal) and multiple addresses of tonnage authorities updated.
23 August 2022
- We have added Section 2 (and the table).
- Added links to the regulations
- Updated address and contact information