If you're a British seafarer planning to work on a yacht, you'll need a seaman's discharge book.
This also applies to anyone working on a ship or vessel registered in the UK.
Read on to discover what this document is for and why you need it.
Chapters
- What is a Seaman's Discharge Book?
- What’s a Seaman’s Discharge Book For?
- Who Needs a Seaman’s Discharge Book?
- How to Apply for a Seaman’s Discharge Book
- Conclusion
- Contact Us
What is a Seaman’s Discharge Book?
A seaman’s discharge book is an official record of a seafarer’s sea service and certifications. It provides a continuous record of employment aboard vessels and is recognised internationally.
It is not a valid proof of identity, but it serves as an official record of a mariner’s professional history.
What’s a Seaman’s Discharge Book For?
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Danish Maritime Authority
The discharge book records a seafarer’s service over time, including where and when they worked and which vessels they served on. It also contains certifications, employment details, and official endorsements.
This record is useful for both government and employers, as it provides a verifiable history of maritime employment.
It enables a British seafarer to land at foreign ports, even without a visa in certain cases, though it does not replace a passport or serve as a travel document.
The book contains key details such as:
- Full name, date and place of birth
- Nationality and home address
- Recent photograph
- Unique service book identification number
- Issuing authority details
- Employment history, voyage summaries, and discharge reasons
While it’s not a replacement for your passport, it is an important supporting document for seafarers, especially when working internationally.
Who Needs a Seaman’s Discharge Book?
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Shutterstock
A seaman’s discharge book is required by any British citizen employed on a registered ship or superyacht.
Non-British citizens working on UK-registered ships or yachts must also apply for a seaman’s discharge book.
It is not required for those working unpaid on pleasure boats, ships that do not go to sea, unregistered vessels, or those under repair or construction.
The older British Seaman’s Card has now been largely replaced by the discharge book, which offers a more complete record.
How to Apply for a Seaman’s Discharge Book
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Pixabay
To apply, download the official application form (MSF 4509) and send it by post to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The standard fee is £55 per document. For the 24-hour premium service, the fee is £105 per document, or £160 for both a discharge book and seaman’s card.
Alternatively, you can apply in person at a local Marine Office — appointments are required.
Applications usually require copies of:
- Passport
- STCW Basic Safety Training certificate
- ENG1 Medical Certificate
- Certificate of Competency
- Any other relevant maritime qualifications
Conclusion
A seaman’s discharge book is one of the most important documents a professional mariner can hold. It records your entire maritime career, showing your experience, skills, and service history.
This makes it invaluable for future employment within the yachting and wider maritime industries.
Contact Us
If you have questions about a career in yachting, we’d love to hear from you. Simply get in touch with us today or leave a comment below.
Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.
