Notices
Changes to UK rules and port information that affect a yacht’s call, with the date each took effect and its official source. The standing position is on the clearance page and the port pages.
Southampton: Itchen Bridge clearance
The port users' guidelines, version 2.4, give the Itchen Bridge a clearance of 28.9m above chart datum and 23.0m above highest astronomical tide, and a minimum clearance of 0.5m is to be allowed. The figure applies to yachts bound for Saxon Wharf and Shamrock Quay.
Source: Southampton VTS, Port Users' Information and Navigation Guidelines
Q flag: lowered only on an officer's permission
An amendment to the pleasure craft reporting regulations requires the Q flag from the port limits until an officer gives notice that it may be lowered. GOV.UK guidance still says to fly it from the twelve-mile limit. Watermans advises flying it from twelve miles and lowering it only when an officer allows.
Source: SI 2026/819
Form C384 for imported pleasure vessels
A pleasure vessel being imported into the United Kingdom, rather than entering under Temporary Admission, may need form C384 (Vessels) on arrival.
Source: GOV.UK, Sailing a pleasure craft that is arriving in the UK
Red diesel: superyachts are private pleasure craft
HMRC's update to Excise Notice 554 says superyachts will almost always be private pleasure craft for red diesel, whether privately chartered or not. Red diesel for propulsion is taken on a declaration, with full duty on that share.
Source: HMRC, Excise Notice 554
Pleasure craft report: timed from departure
GOV.UK now states that the pleasure craft report is made at least two hours and no more than twenty-four hours before the yacht departs its last port, not before it arrives.
Electronic Travel Authorisation enforced
Visitors who need an Electronic Travel Authorisation may not travel without one. Professional crew arriving and leaving with the yacht remain exempt.
Cowes: pilotage at 48m in the inner harbour
The Cowes Harbour Commission's 2026 directions make pilotage compulsory at 48m and over in the inner harbour, at 61m and over in the outer harbour, and for any vessel over 15m beam.
Temporary Admission: 24 months in Great Britain
A private yacht registered outside the United Kingdom may stay up to 24 months in Great Britain under Temporary Admission, free of import VAT and duty. The period in Northern Ireland remains 18 months.
Source: GOV.UK, Sailing a pleasure craft into the UK temporarily for private use
Electronic Travel Authorisation for EU nationals
EU nationals visiting the United Kingdom need an Electronic Travel Authorisation. It costs GBP 20 and lasts two years.
Each notice links to its source. Checked 23 September 2026.