Your Ship's Papers must all be original documents and are comprised of:

Registration Document
Registration of non-commercial pleasure craft is not compulsory for a UK Citizen who keeps their boat in the UK, but it is compulsory if you wish to take your boat outside of UK territorial waters. This applies both to boats which are sailed or driven to a foreign port and to dinghies, ribs, sports boats and PWC etc. which are trailered to other countries. You must be prepared to present the original registration document - photocopies are often not acceptable.

Ship Radio Licence
Under the International Radio Regulations a UK registered vessel must have a Ship Radio Licence if it is to install or use radio equipment (including a VHF or DSC radio, Radar, Active Radar Target Enhancer, EPIRB, PLB etc). This also applies to vessels predominantly moored in UK waters (including craft which are not registered). The licence, which details the equipment covered, must be carried onboard.

Insurance
Insurance for boats is more or less compulsory nowadays and many European countries will ask for evidence of insurance cover. Some countries specify minimum levels of cover and others require a translation which your insurer should be able to provide. It is important to check the territorial limits of your cover before undertaking any trip, as you may need to extend the cruising limits.

Proof of the VAT Status of the Vessel
EU residents may only use a boat within the EU if it is VAT paid or deemed to be VAT paid. Therefore, although proof of the VAT status of the vessel is not actually part of a ship's papers, it is needed to prove that the boat is entitled to free movement throughout the EU. A customs officer is entitled to ask you to prove the VAT status of your boat and your boat could be detained if its VAT status is in doubt.

If your vessel was built or imported into the EEA after 16th June 1998, you will also need proof that your vessel is RCD Compliant, such as the Builder's plate (CE Mark).