FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Real questions from real boat owners — answered plainly.
About BoatID
Is BoatID really free?
Yes — individual registration is free, and it always will be. Not a trial, not an introductory offer, simply how it works.
Is BoatID run by the RYA, British Marine, the police, or the government?
No — BoatID is independent, run by BoatID Ltd. We're not affiliated with any of them, though we'd welcome that in future. Every record links out to their websites, since they're complementary, established schemes worth using alongside BoatID — but there's no data shared between us, it's just a link.
What boats does BoatID cover?
Privately owned sea boats up to 10 metres — RIBs, motor cruisers, fishing boats, dinghies, jet skis/PWCs, and similar. Not commercial vessels or larger craft.
How is this different from Datatag?
Datatag's great, and we'd recommend it alongside BoatID, not instead of it. Datatag physically marks individual items so police can identify something if it's recovered — and costs around £30–80 per item. BoatID is a free digital record covering your boat, engine and trailer together, so anyone can check who they belong to before anything's even gone missing.
Registration & verification
How does verification work, and how long does it take?
We run an automated check on your HIN and serial numbers, then a person reviews it — usually within a day or two — before your BoatID is confirmed.
What if my registration is rejected?
You'll see a note explaining why. You can edit the details and it'll automatically go back for review — no need to start over.
I don't know my HIN, or can't find it — what do I do?
It's usually stamped on the hull near the transom (back of the boat), often on the starboard side. If you genuinely can't find one, get in touch and we'll help you work out what to do.
Do I need an engine or trailer to register?
No — both are optional and can be added later. You can also add a serial number or photos you didn't have at first any time after registering.
Is a BoatID record legal proof of ownership?
No — BoatID checks that your details are consistent and complete, but it isn't a legal title register the way a solicitor or the DVLA is for a vehicle. It's still useful for identification and for showing a genuine, verified history.
Ownership & selling
Can I register more than one boat?
Yes, no limit.
Can more than one person own a boat on BoatID?
Yes — you can add as many co-owners as you like, as long as each has their own BoatID account.
What happens if I sell my boat?
You can transfer ownership to the new owner from your account (they'll need a BoatID account too). The record and its history travel with the boat, not you.
Can I edit my boat's details after registering?
Yes. Changing core details like the HIN, vessel name or manufacturer sends it back for a quick re-check; adding things like photos or an engine serial number doesn't affect your verified status at all.
Privacy & security
What personal details do you store?
Just your name and email — never an address or phone number, we don't ask for either. Boat, engine and trailer details are stored too, obviously.
Is my data safe if BoatID is free?
BoatID runs on the same professional systems real companies use for their databases and sign-in, not something built on the cheap. We're registered with the ICO, the UK's data protection regulator. Nothing is unhackable, but “free” here means free for you to register, not free as in corners cut.
Can I use a nickname instead of my real name?
Yes — the account name isn't checked against ID, it's just a display name. Verification only checks your boat's details, not who you are.
Who can see my boat's record?
Anyone with the BoatID number or QR code can see the boat/engine/trailer details and whether it's reported stolen. Your name, email and any other personal details are never shown publicly.
Theft
My boat's been stolen — what do I do?
Report it to the police first and get a crime reference number. Then flag it on BoatID using that reference — it'll show publicly on the record straight away. Every record also links out to Immobilise's own site, so it's worth registering there too.
Does reporting a theft on BoatID replace reporting it to the police?
No — it's an addition, not a replacement.
Still have a question?
Get in touch and we'll get back to you.