info@valcorp.eu +372 55658650

SHIP FLAG REGISTRATION IN MARSHALL ISLANDS

SHIP FLAG REGISTRATION IN MARSHALL ISLANDS

Since 2021 Baraccuda Maritime & Shipping Legal Services  are accepted as the qualified intermediaries of the official Marshall Islands International Registries Inc.

We, therefore, provide ship flag registration services in Marshall Islands in close cooperation with the Marshall Islands Registry. 

The Marshall Islands ship flag is considered to be one of the most high quality flag in the world. The Marshall Islands Registry is committed to provide the highest quality ship registry services around the globe. The Marshall Islands consists only of quality vessels that are owned by quality owners and ship managers.

In 2020, the Marshall Islands held the total of 4313 making it the world's 4th most popular merchant fleet flag. 

Some of the greatest benefits to register a ship flag in Marshall Islands:

  • Marshall Islands Registry has 70 years of experience administering maritime and corporate programs.
  • Decentralized operations provide customers with 24/7 service from 28 worldwide offices.
  • International lending institutions and shipbuilders have confidence in the Marshall Islands Registry vessel registration, documentation, and preferred ship mortgage and financing charter recordation standards and procedures.
  • The Marshall Islands Registry has adopted groundbreaking legislation that permits the registration of a vessel that is still subject to a recorded mortgage in its present country of registry. This legislation provides for the continuation of the preferred status of the mortgage without interruption; thus, the foreign mortgage lien accompanies the vessel into the Marshall Islands Registry
  • Assistance and technical support are available from our staff of qualified and experienced mariners, naval architects, surveyors, nautical inspectors, marine safety, and environmental protection specialists, shipping company administrators, radio specialists, and casualty investigators.
  • Inquiries receive prompt responses and owners and operators may communicate directly with the Marshall Islands Registry.
  • A worldwide network of Nautical Inspectors conducts in-port inspections and responds to owner and operator needs. Our inspection and follow-up program supports vessel operation efforts in meeting international standards.
  • An information network of Marine Safety Advisories is distributed to apprise owners and operators of changes to international shipping regulations, security bulletins, and PSC activities to help avoid unnecessary delays and compliance problems.
  • The Marshall Islands Registry has an active delegation and a permanent representative at the IMO that participates in all of the committee and subcommittee meetings.
  • Marshall Islands Registry Maritime Services Group is ISO 9001:2015 certified.

The Ship Registration Process in Marshall Islands

Eligibility: Seagoing vessels of any tonnage that are engaged in foreign trade are eligible for registration with the Marshall Islands Registry. It is important to note that, vessel should not be older than 20 years at the time of registration. It may be possible to acquire a Wavier of Age by the Marshall Islands Registry, if owner applies for it on registration. A vessel to which Wavier is granted, will have a to undergo a comprehensive inspection before registration, and at least one follow-up inspection during first year in registry. 

Bulk carriers 15 years old or older will have to have pre-registration inspection.

All other vessels 20 years old or older need to have pre-registration inspection.

Classification: all vessels, except fishing vessels and certain types of yachts will be required to be classed by a Classification Society which is recognized by the Marshall Islands Registry - the world's most recognized classification societies. 

Vetting: before vessel is registed with the Marshall Islands Registry it will be necessary to carry out vetting which includes due diligence screening of the owning and operating entities to find out the ultimate beneficial owners of the vessel. 

All natural persons who hold 25% or greater interest in the vessel will have to be identified, as well as the country in which the person resides. In case no person owns 25% or more interest in the vessel, such statement will have to be provided confirming that. 

Sanctions: Vessels registered in the Marshall Islands do not have restrictions to call in any ports worldwide. However, the Marshall Islands Registry do not accept vessels from Iran, Syria, Cuba, North Korea and Crimea region due to embargoes from the U.S. 

Necessary Documents for Registration:

  • 1. Original Application for Registration, duly acknowledged or notarized (MI-101A) – a copy is acceptable for registration with original to follow
  • 2. Original or Certified True Copy of Power of Attorney or Corporate Resolutions: Authority of Agent/Officer
  • 3. Copy of ISM Document of Compliance (DOC) issued by Recognized Organization (RO)*
  • 4. Copy of Application for Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MI-336)
  • 5. Copy of LRIT Conformance Test Report (CTR)*
  • 6. Email Request sent to Regulatory Affairs (regulatoryaffairs@register-iri.com) for a new DMLC Part I or a National Statement of Compliance for non self-propelled vessels – to be requested after the MI-101 is submitted
  • 7. Copy of International Tonnage Certificate (ITC)
  • 8. Copy of P&I’s Cover Note or Certificate of Entry
  • 9. Electronic Original Oil Blue Card for vessels carrying 2000 Tons or more Oil in Bulk*
  • 10. Electronic Original Bunker Blue Card for vessels over 1000 gross tons
  • 11. Electronic Original Wreck Removal Blue Card for vessels over 300 gross tons*
  • 12. Electronic Original Shipowner Liability in Cases of Abandonment Blue Card (Standard A2.5.2), if applicable
  • 13. Electronic Original Treatment of Contractual Claims, Death and Long-Term Disability Blue Card (Standard A4.2.1), if applicable
  • 14. Electronic Original Passenger Liability Blue Card for vessels carrying more than 12 passengers, if applicable*
  • 15. Copy of Green Award Certificate, if available*
  • 16. Copy of CSR Amendment Form (MI-203) and Index (MI-204)*
  • 17. Copy of existing Continuous Synopsis Records (CSRs) from previous registry*
  • 18. Copy of Proof of Payment for Initial Registration Fee

To apply for ship flag registration in Marshall Islands you can contact Baraccuda Maritime & Shipping Legal Services directly as we are qualified intermediaries of the Marshall Islands Registry - info@baraccuda.eu +357 99781850