Vessel Registration and Instrument Recording published by Marshall Islands

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has issued a publication providing information on the registration of vessels and the recordation of ship mortgages, financing charters, and related instruments in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

This document was issued on January 1st, 2023.

International law requires that every merchant vessel engaged in international trade be registered with the flag Administration of a country, this MI-100 provides the necessary information and guidance on the registration and instrument recording requirements of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.

The Administrator’s forms and applications required for all vessel transactions in
the Republic of the Marshall Islands may be obtained from a Regional Office and are also available at www.register-iri.com.

Seagoing vessels of any tonnage engaged in foreign trade, yachts, vessels under
construction and certain fishing vessels are eligible for registration in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. (See RMI Maritime Act, MI-107 §203)

Vessels must not be more than 20 years of age at the time of registration unless granted A Waiver of Age by the Administrator. The application for a Waiver of Age must meet all other requirements and be accompanied by any additional evidence required by the Administrator.

All vessels, except fishing vessels and certain yachts, must be classed by a Classification Society which is recognized by the Administrator as being in full compliance with the International Maritime Organization Code for Recognized Organizations (Resolutions MSC. 349(92) and MEPC.237(65)).

The Maritime Act (MI-107), §203 requires that vessels must be owned or bareboat charter registered by an RMI citizen, RMI national, or a qualified foreign maritime entity. The term citizen or national includes RMI corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, limited partnerships, and associations of individuals.

The procedure for re-registration is almost identical to that of registration. When an RMI-registered ship is transferred to new ownership, a new Certificate of Registry and trading documents will be issued in the name of the new owner after completing the re-registration process. The vessel will retain its current Official Number and Radio Call Sign.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:

Vessel Registration and Instrument Recording