BoatChecks Secures UK Grant for its Digital Compliance Platform
Tuesday, 21st October 2025
BoatChecks Secures Innovate UK Grant to Accelerate Digital Vessel Management Innovation
BoatChecks, the UK-based maritime compliance and operations platform developed by SAB Software, has been awarded a prestigious Innovate UK grant to accelerate the development of its digital vessel management system for small commercial craft.
The funding, provided through Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will enable BoatChecks to scale its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform and expand its offering for operators of vessels under 24 metres. The award recognises BoatChecks’ potential to deliver high-impact innovation and generate significant economic benefit for the UK maritime sector.
“We are thrilled to receive support from Innovate UK,” said John Peacock, Founding Director of BoatChecks. “This funding will allow us to expand our feature set, improve onboard usability, and deliver even greater value to operators of smaller commercial vessels — a sector that often lacks cost-effective, fit-for-purpose, and robust compliance tools.”
Driving Digital Transformation for Smaller Vessels
BoatChecks supports a growing number of users across the UK maritime industry, including workboats, passenger vessels, aquaculture service boats, and harbour vessels.
Its existing platform features include:
– Digital documentation storage for safety certificates and SOPs
– Maintenance scheduling and defect tracking
– Crew certification monitoring and onboarding records
– Voyage and fuel logging
– Mobile functionality for low-connectivity environments
Accelerating Next-Generation Compliance Tools
The Innovate UK grant will be used to develop new capabilities such as:
– Training record management
– Dynamic risk assessments
– Live condition monitoring
– Enhanced analytics and reporting
Together, these developments will create a more integrated compliance ecosystem for vessel owners and fleet managers.
Industry Recognition and Collaboration
This announcement follows BoatChecks’ partnership with Williams Shipping, a leading UK fleet operator and port services provider, which has rolled out the platform across its operational fleet. Williams Shipping has already reported improved safety assurance and crew accountability since adopting the system.
“This grant reflects the growing recognition that smaller vessel operators need modern, scalable tools to stay compliant and safe at sea,” added Peacock. “Our goal is to make the same level of digital transformation seen in large shipping accessible to smaller fleets — without the complexity or high costs.”
About Innovate UK
Innovate UK (IUK), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), provides targeted sectors with funding, expertise, and facilities to help businesses test, demonstrate, and commercialise innovations, accelerating economic growth and technological progress.
