Answer
- Application to change the name, giving 3 names in order of priority
- Letter from the Mortgagee confirming ‘no objection’ to change of name.
- Fee to change the name and issue new Certificate of Registry.
Answer:
After a vessel is registered, any changes that would affect the ‘Certificate of British Registry’ must be notified to the VISR. If registered owners have changed address, they must notify the Registry of the change by written correspondence. As the production of the Certificates is fully computerized any change in the primary details includes the issue of a new certificate. That way no manual alteration appear on the face of the certificate. Therefore in such cases, the current certificate of registry must be returned for cancellation.
Answer:
- Appointment of Authorized Officer
- Appointment of Representative Person
- Declaration of Eligibility
- Original Bill(s) of Sale
- Certificate of Incorporation (if company)
- Certificate of Good Standing (if the company more than one year old)
- Statutory fee (see list obtainable from Registry)
Answer:
According to tradition, interest/ownership in a British Ship is divided into 64 Shares. A vessel is entitled to be registered, if a majority of the interest (at least 33 of the 64 shares) is owned by qualified persons (individuals or Bodies Corporate). Foreign persons may own a minority interest (up to 31 of the 64 shares) in the ship; or register ship under a qualified company owned by them.
The recording of mortgages is an important feature of ship registration. The Registry facilitates the Entry, Transfer and Discharge of marine Mortgages on registered vessels. Lenders (Mortgagees) may also submit a Notice of Mortgage Intent Form and documents, to preserve their priority whilst registration is proceeding. This form may also be used in respect of vessels under construction.
Answer
All commercial vessels are subject to requirements of the STCW 78/95 Convention. BVI issues appropriate STCW 95 endorsements recognizing certificates issued by other administrations which are listed in the IMO Whitelist.
Vessels certified under the Caribbean Small Commercial Vessels Code (SCV Code) must carry a master holding a ‘Boatmaster’ licence issued under the SCV Code. Examinations for Boatmaster Licence and Boat Engineer Licence are conducted by the VISR.
Answer:
Ships registered in the BVI, or those wishing to be registered to which the statutory certification applies, may be surveyed by the VISR surveyors or surveyors appointed by any of the seven authorised Classification Societies. Additionally, VISR may use surveyors from the MCA or other Red Ensign Group Registries, if deemed necessary.
Answer:
Ships registered in the BVI, or those wishing to be registered to which the statutory certification applies, may be surveyed by the VISR surveyors or surveyors appointed by any of the seven authorised Classification Societies. Additionally, VISR may use surveyors from the MCA or other Red Ensign Group Registries, if deemed necessary.
Answer:
- Register in good time.
- Always apply for registration well before you intend to sail.
- If a commercial vessel is involved ensure appropriate safety certificates are available and vessel surveyed by or on behalf of VISR before registration.
- Ensure that you have completed the necessary documentation properly and paid the correct fee.
Answer:
- After all the required documents, including the certified Carving and Marking Note are returned and the fee paid, the Certificate of Registry is electronically generated and immediately issued.
- Commercial vessels are required to provide proof that they comply with the rules and regulations relating to safety, pollution prevention and maritime security, as applicable to the type of commercial vessel and operation involved, before registration can be completed.