Registry Governance and Legal Framework

Clear authority. Predictable service. Strong compliance.

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.