Cruising » FAQ's

Cruising FAQs

Information for Boat Owners

Probably the most visible statement of Irish identity for sailing yachts; any sailing yacht based in Ireland is entitled to apply to Irish Sailing for an IRL sail number.
While it is essential for anyone planning on racing, most cruising boats will also have an IRL sail number, by choice. 
Once issued these sail numbers stay with the boat for life. Boats cruising abroad should also look into one of the other forms of registration detailed below.


IRL Sail Numbers

 

With the exception of some boats used on the inland waterways, there is no legal requirement to register boats based or used for recreational purposes in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and United Kingdom, and associated territorial waters.
 

For Inland Watersway, see HERE.

Ireland is not immune from tides but there is nothing too extreme.
For tidal information, please go to Ireland Tides - Tides Near Me

Irish Sailing no longer provides a Small Craft Registry Certificate.

 

A Certificate of Identity is a single document that incorporates all the services an Irish Sailing members avails of in respect of their craft. This will include racing handicaps administered by Irish Sailing, racing sail numbers issued by Irish Sailing as the member national authority for World Sailing (formerly ISAF) and other services.

 

Who can apply for a Certificate of Identity?

Members of Irish Sailing who are Irish Nationals or have an Irish Residential address.


Cert of ID Application Form – PDF Format

 

The Irish Register of Shipping provides state registration for all Irish vessels including recreational craft. It is accessed through the Mercantile Marine Office in the Department of Transport. The registration process includes affirmation of ownership, tax status and a survey of the vessel.

Inclusion on this register provides full entitlements for vessels cruising outside of The Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and United Kingdom and associated territorial waters as set out in the Mercantile Marine Act 1955. Contact details for Mercantile Marine Office: Department of Marine

 

There is currently no legal requirement to have a licence to drive either a Powerboat or a Jetski in Ireland. However, it would be preferable if all operators of power-driven craft held a Powerboat Certificate. These can be obtained through various Sailing clubs and Commercial Watersports Centres throughout the country.
Most insurers will require some degree of training and competence certificate.

 

You should contact the Marine authority of the country/countries, you wish to visit.

 

Contact the Mercantile Marine Office HERE for MMSI number and VHF Radio licensing information.
It is a requirement for anyone operating a VHF Radio to hold their VHF Radio Operators License.

VHF training centres are available HERE.

 

If you wish to have your qualifications commmercially endorsed for a passenger boat go here.

 

Go the Mercantile Marine Office here for details on different boat license requirements.