Where to Register, why to register, how to register....
With professional expertise gained from over 10 years of experience in the field of yacht registration and offshore company management, we can provide a professional and personal service to yacht owners worldwide.
Regulations and legislation have not made anything easier these days, but we here at RAY.Com will take care of your maritime legal issues, so you don’t have to worry about the paper work.
If you want to fly the Red Ensign in these days of a sophisticated Europe and confusing new EU regulations, you really have to make an educated choice as to which British Port of Registry you use in order to ensure that it reflects your individual needs. However, even though Europe and the EU has become more sophisticated, so too have the various Ports of Registry. Each one is more self-contained and has different regulations in place, offering it's own advantages and in some cases, disadvantages.
Registration procedures for private pleasure yachts are quite straightforward:
- The proposed name for the yacht is cleared with the Port of Registry.
- The yacht must have a Tonnage Measurement Survey carried out by a recognized classification society (i.e. Bureau Veritas, RINA, YBDSA, Det Norske Veritas etc).
- Then you must have either a Builders Certificate in the case of a new yacht, or a notarised Bill of Sale in the case of a pre-owned yacht (in order to prove title or ownership over the vessel).
- Register A Yacht.com as Registration Agents, would arrange all these matters for you to ensure that the correct procedures are followed and the right forms are submitted for registry purposes.
British Red Ensign - an educated choice?
Whilst we can assist you in registering your vessel anywhere in the world, there are several advantages in having a British Registered Yacht. First, it can fly the British Red Ensign with the international recognition, prestige and protection afforded to it. British registered yachts may seek assistance from any British Embassy or Consulate in the world.
All the vital details of the yacht are recorded at the Port of Registry and it is a requirement that all legal mortgages are also registered. So, by checking the Register, which is open to public inspection, it can be ascertained whether the yacht has a mortgage registered against it. The Registry can also produce a 'Transcript of Register' which will show a potential buyer that the yacht is free from any encumbrances, debts or liens.
As with all things nautical, matters may not always go according to plan. Completion of the yacht may be delayed - that hoped for "weather window" may not appear in time or appears too early, or you just have to start the season before the registration formalities are complete, but there is a solution. Provided that you can show clear title to the yacht, RAY.com will submit the necessary documentation to the Registry who will issue a 'Provisional Registration' for the yacht, which is valid for a period of three months. This will allow the yacht to move freely while the full registration is being completed.
Yacht Registration in other jurisdictions is quite similar, and should you have another Port in mind, we would be happy to advise or assist you.