VISR Policies
VISR Policies
Transparency, consistency, and a strong compliance culture.
VISR publishes key operational policies so shipowners, operators, financiers, managers, seafarers, and service partners can understand how registry decisions are made and how standards are applied in practice. These policies support consistent outcomes, protect the integrity of the Vanuatu flag, and help ensure predictable service delivery.
All policies are issued under the authority of the Maritime Administrator and sit alongside the Maritime Act (as amended), maritime regulations, and official circulars. Where there is any inconsistency, the legislation and regulations prevail.
How VISR policies are used
· To apply risk‑based vessel acceptance and ongoing fleet monitoring.
· To enforce strict sanctions and restricted‑parties controls, including compliance holds and refusal or deletion actions where required.
· To set clear oversight requirements for authorized service partners, including Flag State Inspectors, Recognized Organizations, and appointed agents.
· To publish service standards that improve predictability while maintaining professionalism and a complete audit trail.
· To support continuous improvement and audit readiness, aligned with international best practice.
Notes
· These documents are operational policies and guidance. They do not replace the Maritime Act, maritime regulations, or the terms of any certificate or approval.
· Policies may be updated by the Maritime Administrator to reflect legislative amendments, IMO/ILO developments, risk trends, and audit findings.
· If you need clarification on a policy requirement, contact VISR. Sanctions and restricted‑parties concerns should be raised immediately through the dedicated channel.
Policy library
The latest external versions of VISR policies are available below in PDF format. Each document includes its policy ID, version control details, and (where applicable) an effective date. Superseded versions are archived and marked as obsolete.
