Mortgages and Title Services

Record ownership, register mortgages, and obtain certified registry extracts through VISR. The Registry is administered by the Maritime Administrator under the Maritime Act and related regulations, rules, circulars and policies.

We support shipowners, lenders and legal counsel with clear filing requirements, secure document handling, and a compliance-first process designed for real-world transactions and closings.

Why record mortgages and title with VISR

Title and encumbrance records are central to the commercial value of a ship. A clear, current register supports financing, sale and purchase transactions, and day-to-day operations.

VISR focuses on four outcomes:

·       Clean, verifiable ownership records.

·       Timely recording of mortgages and related instruments.

·       Certified extracts suitable for transactional use.

·       An auditable process that protects the integrity of the Vanuatu flag.

Core transactions we support

·       Mortgage registration: recording of a mortgage in the Register, including amendments where applicable.

·       Assignment / transfer of mortgage: recording changes in mortgagee or secured interest where applicable.

·       Discharge / satisfaction of mortgage: recording release documents and updating the Register once the debt is satisfied.

·       Bill of Sale and change of ownership: updating registered ownership and issuing updated registry documentation.

·       Certified Transcript / Registry Extract: certified evidence of registration particulars, ownership and recorded encumbrances.

·       Deletion support (as applicable): assistance with deregistration packages, including confirmation of recorded interests and required consents.

Who can file

Filings may be submitted by the registered owner, the mortgagee, legal counsel, or an authorized agent. Where required, VISR will request evidence of authority (for example, a power of attorney or corporate authorization).

Document and execution standards

To protect the legal integrity of the Register, documents must be complete, internally consistent, and properly executed. VISR will confirm any jurisdiction-specific formalities during the pre-check.

As a starting point, be ready to provide:

·       Clear vessel identifiers (name, IMO number where applicable, and official number where applicable).

·       Full legal names and addresses of parties, including the mortgagee and payor of fees.

·       Execution blocks, signatures and witnessing consistent with the governing law of the instrument.

·       Notarization and apostille/legalization where required.

·       English documents, or a certified English translation.

·       Electronic submission is accepted for processing. VISR will advise when originals are required for recordkeeping or issuance.

How filings work

We keep the process straightforward. Processing begins once a complete and compliant filing is received.

1.       Pre-check (recommended) - Send draft instruments and key particulars for a quick format and requirements review.

2.       Submit the filing - Provide executed documents and supporting items (authority, vessel particulars, and contact details).

3.       Compliance review - VISR conducts sanctions screening and risk-based verification on the vessel and connected parties.

4.       Record and confirm - Once cleared, VISR records the transaction, updates the Register and issues confirmation and/or certified extracts as requested.

5.       Close and archive - We maintain an auditable record of the filing as part of the Registry’s records management controls.

Compliance and integrity

All registry services are delivered under a documented Quality Management System and are subject to risk-based controls. This includes sanctions and restricted-party screening, beneficial ownership verification where required, and enhanced due diligence when risk indicators are present.

Key principles applied to title and mortgage filings:

·       No transaction proceeds where a sanctions concern is identified and not cleared.

·       Transparency of ownership and control is required to VISR’s satisfaction.

·       False, misleading or withheld information may result in refusal of service and regulatory action.

Fees and processing times

Fees and forms are published on the Library page. Target service-level standards are set out in the Customer Service & Service-Level Standards Policy.

The indicative timelines below apply once a complete and compliant filing is received. Where enhanced due diligence is required, timelines may vary.

Need help?

If you are coordinating a financing, sale, or restructuring, contact the Registry for a pre-check. We acknowledge requests within one business day and will confirm requirements and next steps based on your transaction.