There are very few exclusions when it comes to registering in Vanuatu.  Many types of vessels are allowed including those utilized in trade with foreign countries, commercial yachts or ships, private yachts or ships, or for fishing expeditions.  They may also be any tonnage with the exception of yachts which can weigh 50 tons or above. 

It is defined as a notation in the records of the Registry.  It can also be called a newly built vessel.  The notation must describe an intent by the prospective owner to register the vessel in Vanuatu once it has been built and the owner takes possession.

A new build registration is the procedure that takes place prior to completion of the ship or yacht.  Once it is finished and the owner has the title in his or her hand, the vessel may be formally  registered in Vanuatu. 

At the point of registration, a sea vessel may not be more than 20 years old.  If a vessel is more than 20 years old, it is possible that the Deputy Commissioner will grant it a waiver for registration under some conditions.  The conditions are that the vessel be in superb physical shape, plus it must meet the requirements issued by its classification society.

If a sea vessel is at or over 15 years old, its application has to be submitted with a status report of the vessel's statutory survey declaring that it is certified.  Additionally, this vessel must have a copy of its most recent intermediate or special survey report.

A bareboat charter is a type of registration that temporarily allows a sea vessel to fly Vanuatu's flag even though the boat is actually registered in the owner's home country.  The bareboat charter registration is typically only good for a specific period of time in which the owner may fly the flag of Vanuatu. 

Very easy because all applications and pertinent documents can be submitted online.  Additionally, the yacht owner may verify the authenticity of all documents and track the progress of his or her application online.  With VLAS you will deal with experts whose specialty is yacht registration.  Our representative will guide the applicant, as well as any advisors, through the step-by-step process of the registration application in quick and efficient time.  The priority is to provide all parties involved with a vessel owner's application with a smooth and painless process. 

You would go to the Vanuatu Logistics & Administrative Services Limited.  We have 26 offices around the world in commercial and major maritime cities.  VLAS can provide same-day service to all in the yacht and ship communities, regardless of where in the world they are located and the respective time zone.

It would be in Port Vila on the main island.  This is the capital city and major business hub of Vanuatu.  You will be made proud to call Port Vila your home port.