Passport
Every crew member on board requires a passport. If you are cruising outside the EU you may also need a visa. It is advisable to check well before you intend to leave the UK as these can take time to procure. NB within the EU if you have a non-EU citizen onboard the vessel, you will need to clear them through immigration, even if the vessel itself is not required to clear customs. You should also check if they require a visa.

Certificate of Competence
A UK pleasure craft (a vessels that is not operating commercially or carrying passengers) which is either less than 24m load line length or less than 80GT is exempt from the Merchant Shipping Manning Regulations. This means that unless a UK pleasure craft exceeds both 24m and 80GT the UK Government does not require the skipper to have a certificate of competence or licence. This is however not necessarily the case for the territorial waters of another country and the requirements vary from country to country so you should establish what is required in advance. It is advisable to carry any certificates you hold (just in case) even if they are not a formal requirement. The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is increasingly the certificate that is requested whist cruising abroad.

Proof of Authority to Operate Maritime Radio
The International Radio Regulations stipulate that a maritime radio may only be used by the holder of a Maritime Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence or by someone who is under the direct supervision of such a holder. The minimum certificate of competence required is the Short Range Certificate for VHF/DSC (or the old Restricted VHF Operator for the old style pre GMDSS VHF only sets). It is permitted to monitor the radio for safety purposes or to use it to request assistance in an emergency without a Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate.

EHIC
Since 1 January 2006 the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has replaced the E111 as the "passport" to free or reduced-cost emergency medical treatment when visiting countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. The quickest and easiest way to apply for and EHIC is on-line.

There may also be additional requirements specific to the country you are visiting.

Visitors to the Channel Islands should note that as of 1st April 2009 UK travellers will be required to pay for all medical treatment they may need whilst visiting the Channel Islands (the same will apply to visitors from the Channel Islands to the UK). Previously a limited range of medical treatment was available free of charge. Consideration should be given to having insurance cover in case treatment is required whilst visiting the Channel Islands.