Vessel Registration Process & Requirements
Comprehensive registration guidelines for commercial vessels, new builds, flag transfers, private yachts, and commercial charter yachts under the Sint Maarten Flag Administration.
Vessel Registration Process Overview
The registration procedure is an easy and straightforward procedure in accordance with national and international standards. The registration procedure for vessels aims to safeguard the interest of the ship owners as well as buyers. It meets all requirements of national and international organizations.
We register vessels of any type and conduct registration of new building ships as well as transferring existing vessels from other flag Administrations.
1. Initial Provisional Vessel Registration (Valid for 3 to 6 Months)
Provisional PhaseUpon satisfactory completion of the registration process, the vessel will be issued with a Provisional Certificate of Registry, Provisional Ship Station License, and Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC).
Required Documents for Initial Registration:
- Copy of Bill of Sale duly Notarized
- Copy of Builder’s Certificate (for New Build vessel)
- Copy of Court Decision (in case vessel was bought by auction court order)
- Application for Registration (IMRR01) with Owner Authorization Letter if applicable
- Service Provider / Resident Agent in St. Maarten Application form
- Incorporation Documents (for corporate applications)
- Copy of Passport (for individual applications)
- Copy of previous International Tonnage Certificate
- Copy of Previous Registration Certificates
- Copy of RAA Confirmation Letter & RO Confirmation Letter
- Copy of Previous Class and Survey Status (if available)
- Acceptance of Quote
- Declaration for Company (DC01) & KYC Form (KYCF01)
2. Requirements for Permanent Registration (5-Year Certificate)
Within 90 DaysThe following documentation must be submitted within 90 days from the date of first Provisional Registration for Permanent Registration. Permanent Certificates are valid for five (5) years counted from the date of the 1st Provisional Certificate.
Required Permanent Registration Documents:
- Original notarized or certified true copy of Original Notarized Bill of Sale or Builder’s Certificate
- Original Deletion Certificate from previous registry & Copy of Deletion CSR (if applicable)
- Original Application Form (IMRR01) duly signed by owner or authorized applicant
- Service Provider / Resident Agent in St. Maarten Application form
- Copies of valid Statutory and Class Certificates issued on behalf of St. Maarten by a Recognized Organization (including ISM, ISPS)
- Updated Crew list and copies of Seafarer’s COEs including Special Certificate Endorsements
- Radio Equipment Details (RAA01) – Equipment Description & Frequencies
- Copy of LRIT Certificate Conformance Report
- Copy of valid BCC for Vessels from 1000 GT and above
- Copy of CLC for Oil Tankers and Ships carrying 2000 Tons of oil in Bulk
- Copy of Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC)
Yacht Registration Process (Private & Commercial Yachts)
Registration of yachts under Sint Maarten Ship Registry is strictly governed by the “Law of Aquatic Transport” and Decree 4877 and regulation of Law 399 of the Government of Sint Maarten.
Yacht Registration Documents Required:
- Copy of Bill of Sale Notarized
- Copy Notarized Builder’s Certificate (for New Ship)
- Application for Registration Form (IMRR01) completed and signed
- Certificate of Incorporation and Ownership Documents (for corporate applications)
- Service Provider / Resident Agent in St. Maarten Application form
- Copy of Passport (for individual applications)
- Copy of previous statutory certificates / Registration Certificate / Yacht Club certificate
- Letter of confirmation from Recognized Organization (RO) for performance of survey
- For Commercial Yachts: Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC) & Certificate of Endorsement under IMRR Quotation Approval letter & Invoice Number
Maritime Labour Complaints Process (MLC 2006)
ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) aims to provide decent conditions of work for all seafarers, acting as the fourth pillar of international maritime regulation alongside SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW Conventions.
Applicability to Vessels
Requires all vessels of 500 GT and above engaged on international voyages to hold a valid Maritime Labour Certificate. Vessels under 500 GT are inspected at intervals not exceeding 3 years.
Applicability to Seafarers
Applies to any person engaged on board. Exclusions must be submitted when DMLC Part I is filed.