Safety & Verification

The checks Marine Trader actually performs

• Seller identity check: before an advert goes live, sellers photograph a photo ID (passport or driving licence) and take a live selfie. The two are compared automatically, and checks that don't pass clearly are reviewed by a person. Some ID documents also need a proof of address.
• Email confirmation: every account confirms its email address.
• Trade badges (marine businesses only): dealers, brokers and marine businesses can upload trade credentials such as insurance or association membership. A badge only appears after our team reviews it.
• Message safety: chats are scanned for common scam patterns, and sellers whose accounts are not active cannot be contacted.

Two different things — don't confuse them

• Seller identity tells you who the seller is. It says nothing about the boat.
• Boat information (HIN, engine hours, survey, RCD category, VAT status) is supplied by the seller. Check the original paperwork, and the boat itself, when you view.

What each badge means

• ID checked: the seller passed our photo ID and selfie check. Limitation: it confirms identity only.
• Trade badge: a marine business whose trade details we have reviewed. Limitation: we don't inspect premises or workmanship.
• Specification details: what the seller has told us about the boat. These are not independently checked.

Safe buying

• Never pay before viewing the boat in person. For anything beyond a small dinghy, book an independent marine survey and a sea trial.
• Check the hull identification number (HIN) on the transom matches the paperwork, and that the engine serial numbers match the seller's records.
• Ask for proof of ownership, the original bill of sale, registration documents, RCD/CE paperwork and service history. In the UK and EU, ask for proof that VAT has been paid.
• Ask whether there is any outstanding marine finance or a mooring debt on the boat, and get it in writing.
• Never send money by bank transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency to someone you haven't met. Be wary of prices far below market, refusals to show the boat, "shipping" or "escrow" fees, and pressure to move off Marine Trader messages.

For sellers

• Buyers are registered members, not ID-checked — speak to them by phone or video before arranging a viewing or sea trial.
• Don't publish your exact mooring berth or home address, and have someone with you for viewings.
• Check the buyer's insurance before a sea trial, and stay on board.
• Never hand over the boat, keys or documents before payment has cleared, and never refund an "overpayment".

How to report an advert or account

• Advert: use the Report link on the advert page.
• Account or message: use Report in the conversation — the message is attached for our team.
• Anything else: contact us with the advert link.

If you suspect fraud or a stolen boat, report it to the police (in the UK, Action Fraud) as well as to us.

Having trouble verifying?

If the camera won't open or your check keeps failing, use the "Still not getting through?" button on the ID check page, or contact us. A person will review your photos by hand. Manual review uses the same evidence — a valid photo ID and a live selfie (plus proof of address where needed) — and never skips the check.

Common questions