Permanent Certificate of Registry

What a Permanent Certificate of Registry confirms

A Permanent Certificate of Registry is official evidence that the vessel is registered under the Vanuatu flag. It supports operational acceptance, commercial contracting, and financing activities that rely on flag State documentation.

Core requirements (high level)

VISR issues a Permanent Certificate of Registry once the Maritime Administrator is satisfied that the vessel meets statutory requirements and registry policies. At minimum, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:

·       Clear proof of ownership and authority to register the vessel.

·       Proper cancellation or consent documentation where the vessel previously held foreign registration.

·       Seaworthiness and technical readiness, including classification status where applicable.

·       Correct vessel markings and identifiers (name, official number where applicable, tonnage, and home port).

·       Measurement/tonnage documentation required for registry records.

Document standards (non-negotiable)

VISR protects the legal integrity of the register. Documents must be complete, internally consistent, and properly executed. Where a document requires formal execution (witnessing, notarization, apostille, or legalized copies), VISR will confirm requirements during the pre-check.

·       Names of parties must match across all documents (owners, managers, authorized signatories).

·       Vessel identifiers must be consistent (name, IMO number where applicable, previous names/flags).

·       Transfers and mortgages must be signed by authorized persons with clear authority.

·       Any amendments or corrections must be clean and traceable (no unexplained alterations).

Registration process (step-by-step)

1.       Submit the application online and upload supporting documents.

2.       Request a pre-check if you are reflagging, financing, or working under a closing timeline.

3.       VISR reviews ownership, eligibility, and compliance screening.

4.       Technical and statutory requirements are confirmed (including class/survey inputs where applicable).

5.       Fees are invoiced and settled.

6.       The Permanent Certificate of Registry is issued electronically with verification features.

Electronic certificate validity and verification

VISR issues certificates electronically. Verification is performed by scanning the QR code or using the reference-based validation features shown on the document. If a counterparty requires direct confirmation, official verification can be requested through the registry.

When original documents may still be required

VISR supports electronic workflows, including electronic certificates. However, certain legal instruments or jurisdiction-specific formalities may still require originals or wet-ink execution. If originals are required, VISR will notify the applicant during the pre-check to avoid last-minute delays.

FAQ

Q: Can a permanent registration be issued without proof of prior flag cancellation?

If the vessel was previously registered elsewhere, VISR will require appropriate cancellation or consent documentation. This protects the integrity of the register and avoids dual-registration risk.

Q: What should lenders do if a mortgage will be recorded at registration?

Coordinate early. Provide draft mortgage instruments for a document pre-check and align execution requirements before the closing date.

Q: Can VISR issue hard copy certificates?

Electronic certificates are the standard issuance method. Hard copy issuance is limited to controlled exceptions where necessary, subject to verification requirements.