If you are interested in BVI yatch registration, know that there are certain procedures to be followed for getting registered. But before everything, you need to know a bit about BVI shipping register in order to get into it completely. So, here you go!
What Is BVI Shipping Register?
The British Overseas Territory of the Virgin Islands, commonly referred to as the "British Virgin Islands", is the world's premier corporate domicile of choice which includes companies owning and operating ships registered in the British Virgin Islands.
As part of the Red Ensign Group (comprised of the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the 8 other Overseas Territories), the integrity of the registration of ships flying the Red Ensign is guaranteed with the ability to record and legally prove a ship mortgage and protection provided through international relations and the British Navy as well as the technical expertise of the UK Maritime and Coastguard which implements maritime law and safety policy in the UK.
The Registration Process
The registration process usually takes about 2 - 6 months and involves the following steps:
Step 1: Name Reservation
Before applying for registration, it is essential that the name of the ship is approved by the Registrar by making an application in the appropriate form. The name is reserved for 180 days to allow time for the survey. It is advised that at least 3 alternative names in order of priority be proposed to ensure availability and approval.
Step 2: Survey
The ship must be surveyed and measured to obtain descriptive particulars for purposes of registration by any one of the 7 Classification Societies authorized by the Shipping Registry.
Step 3: Application
After the completion of the survey, the BVI Representative will then submit the documents showing proof of ownership, the Declaration of Eligibility and the Appointment Forms.
Step 4: Certificate Of Registry
If the application is in order, the Registrar issues an Official Number and after being satisfied that the ship is eligible to be registered, the Registrar will issue a Carving and Marking Note. For this purpose, the Port of the Registry for all BVIregistered ships is "Road Harbour". Within 24 hours of returning the certified Carving and Marking Note to the BVI Shipping Registry and the payment of all fees a Certificate of British Registry is issued.
Step 5: Provisional Certificate Of Registry
After the application is submitted and a Carving and Marking Note issued, but before it is returned as certified, the Registrar may issue a Provisional Certificate of British Registry. However, before entering any British Port the actual Certificate of British Registry must be obtained, and the Provisional Certificate remains valid for only 6 months unless specifically extended.
Conclusion
It is important to note that where the BVI Registry is not the first register on which the ship has been registered evidence of its de-registration from its previous register must be provided before it can be entered on the BVI Register. Additionally, all ship radio and telecommunication licenses or certificates (including INMARSAT) are issued by the BVI Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.