Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will be checking that the engine power of English vessels matches the figure given on their fishing licence and Certificate of Registry. In line with EU regulations it is an offence to fish with a vessel whose engine power exceeds its licence.
Other fisheries administrations will be carrying out similar checks for UK-registered vessels in their countries and similar action is taking place in other member states too.
A fishing vessel's propulsion engine must match the engine power that is recorded in documentation, along with details of the engine itself. Where appropriate, MMO will look at the vessel's current documentation, visit vessels to check the information and may also carry out tests on engines to confirm the information given. If the power stated on the fishing licence is less than the actual engine capacity further action may be taken.
No vessel can use a new, replacement or modified propulsion engine unless it has been officially certified by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and recorded on the Register of Shipping and Seamen. Fishermen are required to notify MCA in advance of any relevant works.
If necessary, full engine tests will be carried out by an engineer on behalf of MMO. Engine power data is required as part of the data needed to determine the overall UK fishing fleet capacity at any one time, in line with the EU regulations.
Read further guidance on the scheme and help and advice is also available at any of the MMO’s coastal offices.
Engine power refers to the maximum continuous engine power (MCEP) which should be obtained at the output flange of an engine according to the Certificate of Registry issued by MCA – see Marine Guidance Note MGN 435 (F) – and that stated on the vessels licence and Certificate of Registry.
