Company insight The modern register
The Registre International Français (RIF) is recognised as a key player that appeals to a growing number of shipowners. Stéphane Garziano, head of the RIF offi ce in Marseille, explains what makes the RIF so attractive.
reated in 2006, the RIF is designed for commercial vessels and yachts engaged in international navigation and, since 2016, for large fishing vessels. Depending on the French maritime administration (Ministry for the Sea), the RIF’s goal is twofold: developing French maritime employment and ensuring maritime safety. In order to achieve these aims, the RIF has many attractive features. It embodies the experience, the exigency and the modernity of the French flag, combined with many benefits for shipowners and seafarers. France has developed high standards and expertise in ship safety, which results in a high- quality flag that is widely recognised.
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Stéphane Garziano, head of RIF offi ce, Marseille
trade. In the event of an option for this regime, the taxable income from operations directly linked to the operation of eligible vessels is determined by applying a daily scale to each vessel. French seafarers are provided with a complete training offer in order to obtain all the certificates delivered by the current international agreements, including those that were recently created
“Depending on the French maritime administration (Ministry for the Sea), the RIF’s goal is twofold: developing French maritime employment and ensuring maritime safety. In order to achieve these aims, the RIF has many attractive features.”
From a tax point of view, France has a flat-rate tax regime based on the tonnage of ships, which applies to companies where revenue is derived at least 75% from the operation of ships used for
– for example, training for ships operating in polar waters. The training centres are approved and regularly controlled by the state administration; they are recognised for their quality standards and high-level
of services provided. Besides, seamen residing in France are automatically affiliated with the Seamen’s national health and social security system (ENIM). This is a high-performance scheme, which covers the nine branches of social security protection provided by the Maritime Labour Convention (2006). The affiliation costs are divided between the seafarer and the shipowner who may be exempt from those costs under certain conditions. Otherwise, the French maritime administration has invested for several years in the development of digital tools, with the aim of dematerialising contacts with economic operators and seafarers. A dedicated office facilitates the procedures. Located in Marseille, the ‘Guichet unique’ – or ‘single desk’ – is a public service office that prioritises quality of service, efficiency and responsiveness, acting as real on-the-ground support. All of these services are free. After 16 years of existence, the RIF and its ‘Guichet unique’ have become one of the most modern and competitive European registers. The fleet is expanding steadily; it now consists of 365 ships. During the assises de l’économie de la mer (annual French maritime economic forum) in Nice last September, a range of new measures for reinforcing the competitivity of the French International Register were announced: ■ New tax exemptions to encourage the hiring of junior officers and ratings.
■ Measures to promote the transition towards green fleets (tax benefits to encourage the installation of more sustainable propulsion systems).
■ By 2027, the number of places at the entrance to the French National Maritime Academy will double. ●
The RIF has become one of the most modern and competitive European registers in the sector. 12
www.rif.mer.developpement-durable.
gouv.fr
Chief Executive Offi cer /
www.ns-businesshub.com
Phillipe Plisson
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