Circular to All Clients Operating Fishing Vessels in Offshore Waters Under the Vanuatu Flag

Circular No. 0013

To: All Clients Operating Fishing Vessels in Offshore Waters Under the Vanuatu Flag

Subject: Mandatory Disclosure of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) and IUU Compliance Undertaking

Introduction & Purpose

As part of Vanuatu’s ongoing commitment to combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and ensuring full compliance with international fisheries regulations, all clients operating fishing vessels in offshore waters under the flag of Vanuatu must disclose their Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) within 30 days of this notice.

This measure is in accordance with Vanuatu’s obligations under international maritime and fisheries agreements and is intended to ensure full transparency, compliance, and accountability within the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR).

Mandatory UBO Disclosure Requirement

Effective immediately, all owners, operators, and agents managing fishing vessels under the Vanuatu flag must provide the following information within 30 days:

1. Full Name of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)

2. Residential Address and Contact Information of the UBO

3. Details of Any Other Vessels Owned or Operated by the UBO

4. Declaration of Prior Involvement in IUU Fishing (if applicable)

Failure to submit this information within the prescribed time frame may result in suspension or deletion of the vessel from the Vanuatu Registry.

Additional Undertaking for UBOs Linked to IUU Activities For UBOs with vessels that have previously been involved in IUU fishing, an UNDERTAKING must be signed, confirming:

• A commitment to refrain from any form of IUU fishing under the Vanuatu flag

• A pledge to operate in strict compliance with all international and national fisheries regulations

• Acknowledgment of legal consequences in the event of non-compliance

Any UBO who fails to sign the undertaking within 30 days will have their vessels unilaterally removed from the Vanuatu registry without further notice.

Enforcement & Compliance Measures

The Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR), in collaboration with regional fisheries organizations, port states, and enforcement agencies, will conduct regular compliance checks on all registered vessels. Any false declarations or violations of this policy will result in immediate deregistration and potential legal actions against the vessel owner.

All information submitted to the VISR be treated with the utmost secrecy.

For further inquiries, please contact VLAS Compliance Division at admin@register-vu.com

We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining Vanuatu’s reputation as a responsible Flag State.

Sincerely,
Saade Makhlouf
President and CEO
Vanuatu Logistics and Administrative Services Limited (VLAS)
Maritime Administrator, Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR)

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