About the Maritime Administrator
Maritime Administrator of the Republic of Vanuatu
The Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR) is administered by the Maritime Administrator of the Republic of Vanuatu, acting under the authority of the Maritime Act [CAP 131] and applicable maritime regulations. The Maritime Administrator is the competent authority responsible for the registration, certification, and regulatory administration of Vanuatu-flagged vessels, exercising delegated flag-state functions on behalf of the Republic of Vanuatu.
Mandate and Legal Authority
The Maritime Administrator operates pursuant to Vanuatu’s maritime legislation and is empowered to carry out all functions required for effective flag-state administration, including:
- Vessel registration and deletion
- Issuance of statutory and registry certificates
- Registration of ship mortgages and encumbrances
- Oversight of compliance with applicable international conventions
- Administration of seafarer certification and endorsements
- Enforcement of registry requirements and regulatory obligations
All official acts, certificates, and records issued by VISR are issued under state authority and recognized in accordance with Vanuatu law.
Sovereign Flag-State Administration
VISR is a sovereign ship registry, not a private classification society or commercial registry service. The Maritime Administrator acts as the flag-state authority, ensuring that Vanuatu-flagged vessels operate in accordance with international maritime standards while maintaining a pragmatic and commercially responsive approach to administration. This structure ensures:
- Legal certainty for shipowners and financiers
- Clear attribution of flag-state responsibility
- Regulatory integrity aligned with international practice
Modern Governance and Digital Transformation
The Maritime Administrator is implementing a comprehensive modernization program for VISR, focused on:
- Digital registry operations
- Electronic certificates and secure digital records
- QR-based certificate verification
- Improved transparency and auditability
- Streamlined workflows for owners, operators, and stakeholders
Digital services are being deployed progressively to ensure reliability, security, and regulatory consistency.
International Standards and Compliance
The Maritime Administrator administers VISR in alignment with applicable international maritime conventions, including:
- SOLAS
- MARPOL
- STCW
- Maritime Labour standards (as applicable)
Compliance oversight is applied in a risk-based and proportionate manner, balancing safety, environmental protection, and commercial practicality.
Commitment to Transparency and Integrity
The Maritime Administrator is committed to:
- Transparent registry operations
- Clear and predictable procedures
- Responsible flag-state oversight
- Cooperation with recognized international maritime partners
VISR is designed to serve the needs of modern international shipping while safeguarding the integrity of the Vanuatu flag.
Institutional Continuity
The Maritime Administrator operates as an enduring public authority. Registry operations, digital systems, and regulatory processes are structured to ensure continuity, consistency, and reliability irrespective of changes in personnel or administration.
Contact the Maritime Administrator
Office of the Maritime Administrator
Vanuatu International Shipping Registry
Republic of Vanuatu
info@register-vu.com
www.register-vu.com