IRI

This section provides vessel owners, operators, charterers, lending institutions and their representatives with information needed to register vessels in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and related instruments under MI-300.

International Registries, Inc. (IRI) has staff available to consult with you to ensure that your documents qualify under Marshall Islands Law, and to assist you with other features and requirements of the Marshall Islands Maritime Act (the Act) 1990, as amended. There is no charge for this service. Guidance on the content and interpretation of applicable international conventions, rules and regulations may also be obtained in consultation with our technical staff.

In addition, you may consult the RMI publication MI-100, Vessel Registration and Mortgage Recording Procedures for more detailed information. Although the MI-100 has application forms attached, they are not set up to be used electonically. You may print out what you need and fill it in manually. If you want to be able to fill out the forms electronically, you will need to go to the Vessel Registration section in Forms and Publications.

VESSEL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Types of vessels that may be registered under the Marshall Islands flag include: tankers, cargo ships, containerships, passenger vessels, MODUs, tugs, yachts, fishing vessels and other ocean-going vessels
Vessels should be under 20 years of age at time of registration. A waiver of the age requirement may be granted depending upon a satisfactory evaluation of the condition, seaworthiness and usage of the vessel
Ownership must be in the name of a Marshall Islands National, Corporation, General Partnership, Limited Partnership (LP), Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Foreign Maritime Entity qualified in the Marshall Islands

CLASSIFICATION OF VESSEL

All commercial vessels are required to be classed by a Classification Society that is recognized by the Maritime Administrator (some exceptions may be made for yachts and fishing vessels; contact IRI for specifics). The following are currently recognized:

Click here for Information on the Classification Society Certificates requirements.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR VESSEL REGISTRATION

Application for Official Number, Call Sign and Registration of Vessel
Bill of Sale or Builder's Certificate transferring title to applicant (three copies are sufficient)
Power of Attorney or Secretary's Certificate of Corporate Resolution
Certificate of Confirmation of Class issued by Classification Society dated no earlier than 10 days prior to registration
Classification Society Statement or Affidavit that the vessel is "fit to proceed to sea"
Special Survey on vessels 15 years or older from the Classification Society
Application for Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (This is submitted to the Seafarers' Identification and Certification Division prior to registration)
ISM Code Declaration of Company Security Officer

Proof of Liability Insurance, including oil pollution, bunker pollution and owner's repatriation obligations
Permission to Transfer or Cancellation Certificate issued by the registry from which the vessel is being transferred
Proof that vessel is free of recorded liens and encumbrances (Refer to MI-100 for other special documentation requirements.)

Within 90 days of registration, an Application for Ship Radio Station License must be submitted. If the name of the vessel is to be changed at the time of reflagging to the Marshall Islands, then all applications should be filed using the new name of the vessel, and should also list the vessel's former name in the space provided.

OTHER SERVICES

For more information on the following please complete our Visitor Form:

Bareboat Charter Registration
Foreign Bareboat Charter Registration
Re-Registration
Change of Vessel Name
Mortgage Modifications

APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

MI-100 - The Republic of the Marshall Islands Vessel Registration & Mortgage Recordation Procedures

This publication now includes the registration procedures for yachts and fishing vessels. The initial Application for Registration may be completed and submitted online or downloaded and faxed/mailed to any IRI office.

VESSEL REGISTRATION AND MORTGAGE APPLICATIONS

Vessel registration and mortgage recordation fees are available online. Publications and sample forms may be obtained by contacting any IRI office or by completing and submitting our online Visitor Form.

For Further Information Contact Any IRI Office or Mr. Jack Enright at:

Mr. Jack Enright
International Registries, Inc.

Vessel Administration
11495 Commerce Park Drive
Reston, Virginia 20191-1506
United States of America

Tel: +1-703-620-4880 ext. 1420
Fax: +1-703-476-8522
Email: jenright@register-iri.com

NOTE: All applications for Provisional Registration are subject to approval by this Administration. Accordingly, the mere submission of an application for Provisional Registration does not ensure that a vessel will be accepted for entry into the Registry or flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.