How to Register a Private or Commercial Yacht in Dominica Registry
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The Dominica Yacht Registry has been designed for Yacht owners seeking to operate under the advantages of an open registry, while understanding that today’s commercial yachts may be required to comply with many international standards such as the STCW Code and SOLAS, private yachts may be exempt. Our goal is to operate this yacht registry as the premier international yacht registry, providing a benefit and service to owners serving as benefit to an owner, and serve as an elite group of pleasure vessels complying with standards above of the industry norm.
PRIVATE/PLEASURE YACHT
REGISTRATION
The Administration considers any pleasure yacht not on charter or carrying passengers for hire, not engaged in trade or commerce, and being used solely for the pleasure or recreational purposes of its owner to be a private yacht. More specifically, to be considered a private yacht, a vessel is:
In the case of a yacht owned by a corporate entity, one on which the persons on the yacht are employees, officers or shareholders (including beneficial owners) of the corporate entity, or their immediate family or friends.
In the case of a trust or other ownership arrangement, one on which the persons on board the yacht are beneficiaries under the trust or beneficial owners of the ownership arrangement, or their immediate family or friends.
One on which persons other than those referenced in (a) or (b) above are specifically authorized by the owner to use the yacht for specified periods of time; and in private use.
Minimum Size Limitation
The registration of private yachts is limited to those of 12 meters or more in length. The Maritime Administrator may, however, consider waiving the minimum size limitation and other requirements for private yachts less than 12 meters in length given the necessary justification.
Ownership
Non-Dominica companies or individuals may apply for a Foreign Maritime Entity waiver at the time of registration.
Declaration of Private Use
To be registered as a private yacht, an owner must submit at registration A Declaration of Private Use, declaring that the yacht is “not” a commercial yacht or cargo vessel and will not be used for commercial purposes or gain.
The term “private use” means that the vessel is used on a private voyage or excursion, and during such use is not engaged in trade by transporting merchandise or carrying passengers for reward or remuneration (other than as a contribution to the actual cost of the vessel or its operation for the period of the voyage or excursion) or gain, and is not offered for charter or to the public for use.
Suitability for Intended Use
Classification by an Administration recognized Classification Society is not required but is recommended, particularly for private yachts of 24 meters or more in length. For private yachts of 24 meters or more in length that are not classed, a Certificate of Survey issued by a recognized Classification Society surveyor or a surveyor authorized by the Maritime Administrator (an “Authorized Surveyor”) or a Statement of Compliance or similar document from an underwriter’s assessor retained by the yacht owner must be submitted.
In the case of private yachts of less than 24 meters in length, this survey may be carried out by an Authorized Surveyor, a recognized naval architect or yacht association, qualified boatyard personnel or an underwriter’s assessor from whom a Statement of Compliance or similar document would be obtained
Tonnage Measurement
A tonnage measurement must be performed and a tonnage certificate issued and presented at registration.
Private yachts 24 meters or more in length: Compliance with the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, is required. Admeasurements and certification should be performed by a recognized Classification Society surveyor or by an Authorized Surveyor.
Private yachts less than 24 meters in length: An Authorized Surveyor, naval architect, yacht association or builder may perform the admeasurements. The issuance of a national tonnage measurement certificate is optional. A Simplified Method of Measurement, provided in the National Safety Code may be used, if necessary.
Home Port
Home port for private yachts will be Portsmouth.
Insurance
Proof of hull and machinery and liability coverage from an underwriter in policy form acceptable to the Maritime Administrator is required.
Statutory Compliance
COLREGS ’72: All private yachts regardless of size must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGS ’72), as may be amended from time to time. The Maritime Administrator may, if deemed necessary, require the submission of detailed plans showing the positioning and arrangements of navigation lights for examination prior to registration.
MARPOL/IOPPC: Compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as amended by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL), is required as follows: Annex I is applied to all yachts regardless of size unless expressly provided otherwise. All yachts are required to maintain an oil record book. All yachts of 400 gross tons or more are required to be issued and carry on board an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPPC) in accordance with Regulation 5 of Annex I. Annex IV is applied to all yachts certified to carry more than 10 persons on board and to all yachts of 200 gross tons or more regardless of the number of persons on board in accordance with Regulation 2. In addition, all yachts are required to meet local coastal State requirements for the control of pollution in their domestic waters that may exceed those of MARPOL.
Minimum Safe Manning Certificate: No certificate is required; however, owners should follow the guidelines provided in the National Safety Code.
Seafarer Certification: Qualification as STCW is recommended on private yachts of 24 meters or more in length or 80 gross tons and above, and qualification as Engineer is also recommended on private yachts of 1200 kW main engine power and/or 500 gross tons and above. Relevant qualifications should be according to size, propulsion power, and area of operation. Guidelines are provided in the National Safety Code.
Registration Documentation
Application: The Application for Private Yacht Registration, CDVR2001Y, is a single page document. The registration process begins with the submission of this application and the supporting documents outlined below to any of our offices.
Mandatory/Required Documents to Accompany Application: Power of Attorney and/or Corporate Resolutions that incorporate a Power of Attorney. (CDVR-4004) Proof of Ownership, i.e., Bill of Sale, Builder’s Certificate. Declaration of Private Use (CDVR-4006) Application for Waiver for Foreign Maritime Entity (CDVR-2003) Verification of Suitability for Intended Use:
If classed, by a Certificate of Confirmation of Class issued by a Classification Society recognized by the Maritime Administrator, or
If not classed, by a Certificate of Survey, Statement of Compliance or other document issued by a recognized Classification Society surveyor, an Authorized Surveyor or an underwriter’s assessor for the company that will be insuring the yacht.
Confirmation of Hull and Machinery and P&I coverage or Cover Note on a combined policy of insurance issued by a recognized insurance company. Proof that vessel is free of liens or encumbrances. If the yacht is not a new building and is currently documented in another country, consent from that country to the vessel’s transfer to the Commonwealth of Dominica. Application for SSL if necessary (SSL is required on all yachts with a radio station on board) MSMC is NOT required but it can be issued on request (accordingly to the National Safety Code). Payment of Registration Fees – Failure to pay renewal fees will result in the vessel being cancelled/deleted from the Dominica Maritime Registry, Inc. and Flag.
PLEASE FILL IN THE FOLLOWING FORM
Commercial yacht registration
Commercial Yachts are subject to SOLAS, Load Line, Tonnage Convention, MARPOL and STCW Convention requirements, as applicable. Vessels than 500 GT and carrying less than 12 passengers do not fall under the requirements of ISM and ISPS
Ownership
Non-Dominica companies or individuals may apply for a Foreign Maritime Entity waiver at the time of registration.
Insurance
Proof of hull and machinery and liability coverage from an underwriter in policy form acceptable to the Maritime Administrator is required.
Statutory Compliance
COLREGS ’72: All commercial yachts must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGS ’72), as may be amended from time to time. The Maritime Administrator may, if deemed necessary, require the submission of detailed plans showing the positioning and arrangements of navigation lights for examination prior to registration.
MARPOL/IOPPC: Compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as amended by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL), is required as follows:
. Annex I is applied to all yachts regardless of size unless expressly provided otherwise. All yachts are required to maintain an oil record book.
. All yachts of 400 gross tons or more are required to be issued and carry on board an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPPC) in accordance with Regulation 5 of Annex I.
. Annex IV is applied to all yachts certified to carry more than 10 persons on board and to all yachts of 200 gross tons or more regardless of the number of persons on board in accordance with Regulation 2.
. In addition, all yachts are required to meet local coastal State requirements for the control of pollution in their domestic waters that may exceed those of MARPOL.
Seafarer Certification: Crew must meet STCW requirements for positions required by the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate. Yacht Master Licenses may be recognized by the Administration.
Registration Documents
. Application for call sign FORM CDVR-2001Y
. Application for SSL (SSL is required on all yachts with a radio station on board)* (CDVR-2004)
. Application for MSMC* (CDVR-2007)
. Power Of Attorney (CDVR-4004) . Proof of Ownership (Bill of Sale) . Current ITC, LLC**
. P&I Cover Note . FME Application or IBC Application (CDVR-2006)
. Affidavit of Transfer of Vessel within 3 months to Dominica (CDVR-4008)
. Copy of current Registration Certificate
. Deletion Certificate (if available)
Vessels over 500 Gross Tons will also need to submit documentation related to Classification, ISPS Code, ISM, etc. Additional fees apply.
In order to receive the fee structure for the COMMERCIAL YACHTS PLEASE FILL IN THE FOLLOWING FORM
In order to request a quotation or to receive a complete checklist of required forms and documents for Yacht registration under the Commonwealth of Dominica Flag kindly use the hyperlink:
Request a Quotation
. Application for Official Number, Call Sign and Registration of Vessel
. Application Form for Ship Radio Station License
. Declaration of Intent to Engage in Limited Charter
. Declaration of Private Use