Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR) is the official register of eligible vessels flying the Vanuatu flag. The Registry is administered by the Maritime Administrator under the Maritime Act (CAP 131), as amended, together with applicable regulations, circulars, and published policies.
This framework is designed to provide:
Legal certainty for owners, operators, managers and financiers
Transparent registry processes supported by documented standards
Strong flag State oversight aligned with international requirements and best practice
1) The legal and policy framework
VISR services are delivered within a structured hierarchy of instruments, including:
The Maritime Act (CAP 131), as amended
Maritime Regulations and related subsidiary instruments
Registry circulars, advisories and administrative instructions
Published registry policies (including compliance, risk, service standards and oversight policies)
Fee Schedule (published and updated as required)
Where guidance documents exist to support applications, they are provided to help clients submit complete files and receive faster outcomes.
2) Alignment with international standards
VISR applies a compliance-first approach aligned with applicable international maritime conventions and codes, including those adopted through the International Maritime Organization and, where applicable, the International Labour Organization.
This supports consistent certification outcomes, stronger fleet performance, and greater confidence for port State authorities, insurers, charterers, and counterparties.
3) Vessel title, ownership and mortgage recording
A modern registry must support vessel operations and vessel finance. VISR records and maintains registry entries and filings that support recognized maritime commercial practice, including:
Title instruments (e.g., bills of sale and related records)
Mortgages and related filings, including registration, amendments, assignments and discharges
Certified transcripts/extracts from registry records (where applicable)
This provides practical protection and clarity for parties with an interest in a vessel, including mortgagees, owners, and other lawful stakeholders—supported by an auditable registry record.
4) How the Registry operates
VISR is delivered as a professional flag administration service model:
A central administration with documented controls and records management
A global service network that may include authorized agents, Flag State Inspectors, and authorized service partners operating under defined instruments and oversight
Clear communications protocols and service-level standards to promote predictable outcomes
This structure is designed to ensure global availability while maintaining consistent decision-making, accountability, and audit readiness.
5) Integrity, transparency and compliance culture
VISR protects the integrity of the flag through robust controls, including:
Risk-based vessel acceptance and ongoing monitoring where required
Sanctions and restricted-parties screening and compliance holds when needed
Zero tolerance for misrepresentation or document fraud
Escalation and enforcement pathways where safety, compliance, or the national interest requires action
6) Fees, circulars and policy updates
The Registry maintains a published fee framework for transparency and planning. The Maritime Administrator may adjust fees to respond to market conditions and operational requirements, and may issue or update policies, circulars and administrative instructions to support compliance and service consistency.
Key documents
For convenience, the following are available on the website for download:
Maritime Act (CAP 131), as amended
Maritime Regulations and supporting instruments
Registry Circulars
VISR Policies
Fee Schedule
Need assistance?
For application guidance, required documents, or transaction support (registration, renewals, mortgages/title, seafarer documentation), contact VISR through the published contact channels.