Registry of Ships Act 1787

Vessels which should be registered as herein, not admitted to clear out as British or Irish vessels, nor be entitled to privileges of such, unless they have certificates,

departing from the port without such certificates, forfeited, together with their guns, tackle, &c.

XXXIV. And be it further enacted, That if any ship or vessel which by this act is directed hereafter to be registered, or which is directed (instead of the register now required by law) to take out a new register according to the form and in the manner herein described, shall arrive at the port to which she belongs, at the expiration of the time assigned in the notice herein directed such ship or vessel shall not be permitted to clear outwards to foreign parts, or coastways, or to proceed to sea in order to fish on the coast, or for any other purpose whatever, as a British or Irish ship or vessel, nor shall be in any wise entitled to the privileges of a British or Irish ship or vessel, unless the owner or owners thereof shall have obtained a certificate, according to the form, and in the manner by this act described and directed; and in case any such ship or vessel shall depart from such port without being registered, and without having obtained a certificate as aforesaid, every such ship or vessel shall be subject to forfeiture, together with all the guns, furniture, ammunition, tackle, and apparel to such ship or vessel belonging.