DUSTING DOWN
The how, what, where, why questions apply equally as
well when deciding on a flag state as they do in any other walk of life, so what must we look at when deciding on the registrar? Words: Claire Griffiths
I
n our annual feature on yacht registration we ask the shipping registrars where yacht owners should focus on to keep their boat safe and buoyant in conditions that specifically suit their needs and much more.
Toby Brooks, answers succinctly when asked what owners should look for when choosing a flag state “Quality, speed of service plus technical support,” says the Deputy Director, Isle of Man Ship Registry.
Pierre Chays, Assistant Registrar of Shipping and Harbour Pilot, Jersey, goes into the details: check for cabotage rules, i.e. any restrictions from the country where the yacht will be based with respect to which flag it is permitted to fly. Check the registry’s restrictions on size and tonnage of a yacht (Jersey is limited to a tonnage of 399), and check the eligibility to register - some registries only accept individuals of certain nationalities or companies incorporated in certain jurisdictions to own a vessel with a majority shareholding under their flag. This eligibility criteria applies to all Red Ensign Group (REG) registries (https://www.
redensigngroup.org/) with some REG registries having a wider eligibility criteria than others. “Jersey,” says Chays, “has one of the widest eligibility criteria amongst REG, aligned with that of the UK.”. The Registry’s international connectivity and reputation are also as important as is its position on the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control.
International reputation should always be high up on the list when choosing your flag state says Amanda Marshall at the UK Ship
Register. Also check if it holds the US Coastguard Qualship21 status. “These make travelling internationally much easier. Having a flag with a good international reputation is also going to help you to attract the best crew,” she says. Another point to consider is the registry’s knowledge of the Large Yacht Code.
“Some owners will look at cost options rather than value added from the services provided,” says Liam Ryan, International Registrar of Shipping & Seamen & CEO at St Kitts & Nevis registry. St Kitts and Nevis offer pricing options for both private and commercial yachts with 1,2 and 4 year options available.
Julien Ramos, Commercial Director at Madeira Yachts
Shipping Register & Management, LDA (MYSRM II) adds, “Consider if the yacht will cruise outside European waters; will the owner charter his boat? Will he have a complete and permanent crew? At first sight a flag register with limited restrictions can seem attractive but owners often realise later that these yachts are subject to more frequent port state controls and repeat maritime customs visits. I think if a boat is based in Europe it is easier for the owner to have a European registry. Madeira is the perfect place for this!”
“Is there a robust level of international support?” mentions Mr. John Samuel, Director, Virgin Islands Shipping Registry. He continues, “As times change and global instability looms, owners should also consider flags that can offer additional support and is itself supported globally through strong diplomatic networks and foreign embassies when necessary.”
198 | AUTUMN 2022 | ONBOARD
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