Question 1

When does it expire?

Accepted Answer

Polish registration does not expire and has no annual renewal costs.

Question 2

Can I navigate along the entire Spanish coast?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Polish flag has registry status and is internationally recognized, especially in any European country.

Question 3

Can I navigate in any sea in the world?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Polish flag is internationally recognized and has advantages over other European flags, especially when navigating in waters outside European territory.

Question 4

Can I use my boat with Polish Flag in inland waters?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use it in inland waters of any reservoir or dam. However, you may need to request a permit issued by each river basin authority.

Question 5

Is it a registry flag?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Polish flag has registry status and is internationally recognized.

Question 6

Can it be registered to multiple owners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can be registered to a couple or a group of friends, but the card has space for only the first 3 owners. An additional document listing all owners can be requested.

Question 7

Can a company own the vessel?

Accepted Answer

Of course yes, vessels can be registered in the name of a company. In this case, company documents must be submitted.

Question 8

Do I need CE marking?

Accepted Answer

Only if the boat is from 2017 onwards is CE marking mandatory, although it is always recommended if you have it.

Question 9

Do I need Polish certification?

Accepted Answer

Polish certification is not necessary. With the boat under Polish flag, if you are Spanish you will need the corresponding Spanish certification for the navigation zone where you will sail.

Question 10

Can I change the boat's name?

Accepted Answer

You can request a name change both when registering it and when it is already registered.

Question 11

Is there an additional cost to change the boat's name?

Accepted Answer

When flagging the boat in your name you can choose the boat's name without additional cost. If the boat is already in your name and you want to change the name, there will be a small cost.

Question 12

Does Polish flag require special insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, you just need to inform your insurance company. If you have any problems with them, let us know and we will help. In fact, the price should be slightly lower, all other conditions being equal.

Question 13

What documentation do I need to register it in Poland?

Accepted Answer

Basic documentation will be your ID or passport, purchase contract or invoice, and for engines over 20kw a photo of the manual.

Question 14

I am not a European citizen. Can I have Polish flag for my boat?

Accepted Answer

Of course yes. However, the required documentation is slightly different and we can advise you on how to do it.

Question 15

Are there navigation zones?

Accepted Answer

There are no navigation zones as structured in Spain. However, there are enthusiasts who believe this enables them to navigate with lower nautical certification than required in Spain for a specific navigation zone. This is incorrect. Therefore, even if we have the boat under Polish Flag, we must have the appropriate nautical certification for the navigation zone required by Spanish legislation.

Question 16

What Navigation Regions exist under Polish Flag?

Accepted Answer

In Poland four navigation regions are established known as protected waters, Coastal, Maritime navigation waters and Maritime transport. 6 miles, 20 miles, 200 miles and unlimited navigation, respectively. But we must remember that beyond 12 miles we are always in international waters.

Question 17

What safety equipment is necessary under Polish Flag?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the navigation plan you are going to undertake. We can advise you to equip the appropriate equipment for your boat and the type of navigation you are going to do.

Question 18

Do I have to be European to register my boat in Poland?

Accepted Answer

No, but the boat must have been imported into Europe. It can be resolved in several ways and we advise you to contact us to explain the best solution.

Question 19

Does Polish MMSI exist?

Accepted Answer

Of course, which you can request once you have the final document from the Polish registry.

Question 20

Can I keep the MMSI from my previous flag?

Accepted Answer

No. MMSI is a 9-digit code of which the first two correspond to the flag country. Therefore, if you change flags you must change MMSI.

Question 21

Can jet skis be registered under Polish flag?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The requirements are different and you can contact us to resolve the file in the most efficient way.

Question 22

Do I have to live or be registered in Poland?

Accepted Answer

It is not necessary to be registered in Poland or to live there.

Question 23

How often must the Polish flag be renewed?

Accepted Answer

Never, as it is valid forever until you deregister the vessel.

Question 24

Does Polish navigation certificate exist?

Accepted Answer

Not as we know it in Spain, the documentation itself includes the vessel's navigation certificate, as well as the Navigation Permit.

Question 25

If I change the vessel's engine, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

With the engine purchase contract or invoice, we can change the data in the Polish registry and register the new engine quickly and efficiently. There is no need for uninstallation projects or other absurd complications.

Question 26

Do I have to pay Spanish registration tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes, regardless of the boat's flag, Spanish tax law requires payment of registration tax for all boats over 8 meters in length if this has not been previously paid by another owner.

Polish Flag Registration FAQ

Official sources