Vessel Registration

The Maritime Authority of the Velocity Interoperability Network keeps the Vessel Register of the Velocity Interoperability Network. Every vessel of four metres or more in length, or fitted with an engine, that is kept in the waters of the Network or owned by a member organisation or citizen must be entered on the Register. A registered vessel is allotted a registration number, is issued with a certificate of registry and receives the weekly edition of Notices to Mariners by email.

Registration identifies the owner responsible for a vessel, confirms that vessels carrying passengers, cargo or crew meet the standard set for their class, and allows the Authority to reach every owner when the safety of the Network's waters requires it. Registration is renewed annually on the anniversary of entry; a vessel whose renewal fee is more than three months overdue is removed from the Register and may not be used in the waters of the Network until re-registered.

Fee classes. Vessels are registered in one of six classes. The class determines the fees payable and the interval at which the vessel is surveyed. Fees were set by the Authority on 6 September 2026 and will be reviewed annually.

A vessel that falls into more than one class is registered in the higher class. A change of ownership, name, engine or use must be notified to the Authority within twenty-eight days; a change of ownership is recorded for a fee of 20 credits in every class, and a change of class is treated as a new registration. No fee is charged to record a tender under four metres, to confirm a provisional entry or to remove a vessel from the Register.

Documents required. An application is made by email and must be accompanied by the following.

Proof of ownership

A bill of sale, builder's certificate or other document showing that the applicant owns the vessel. Where a vessel is owned jointly, every owner is named and one is nominated to correspond with the Authority.

Identification of the applicant

The applicant's staff or citizen identification number, or the registration number of the member organisation, together with the email address to which the certificate of registry and Notices to Mariners are to be sent.

Particulars of the vessel

The vessel's name, type, hull material, length overall, beam and draught, year and place of build, engine type and power, and the port or site at which it is normally kept. The Authority allots a registration number on entry.

Survey report, where required

For a vessel in classes B to F, the report of an initial survey carried out by one of the Authority's surveyors within the previous six months. Survey reports made under the interim arrangements during the transition period are accepted.

Applying for registration. The steps below apply to every class. Owners confirming a provisional entry follow steps 4 and 6 only: they send the particulars of the vessel, quoting the provisional number shown on the Authority's notice, and receive a certificate of registry without charge. A vessel in classes B to F confirmed in this way is surveyed within twelve months of confirmation unless a survey report from the transition period is on file.

1. 1

   Step 1: Check that your vessel must be registered

   Every vessel of four metres or more in length, or fitted with an engine, that is kept in the waters of the Network or owned by a member organisation or citizen must be registered. Tenders under four metres without an engine are exempt but may be recorded without charge.

2. 2

   Step 2: Identify the class

   Find the class of your vessel in the table of fee classes. The class determines the registration fee, the annual renewal fee and whether a survey is required before registration. If you are unsure of the class, write to the Authority before applying.

3. 3

   Step 3: Arrange a survey, where required

   Vessels in classes B to F are surveyed before first registration. Write to the Authority to arrange a survey; the surveyor's report is sent to you and to the Register. Class A vessels are registered on the owner's declaration that the vessel carries the equipment required by Regulation 8.

4. 4

   Step 4: Submit the application

   Send the documents listed above by email to the Authority. Applications are acknowledged on receipt and examined in order of receipt. The Authority may ask for further particulars or for the vessel to be produced for inspection.

5. 5

   Step 5: Pay the registration fee

   When the application is accepted, the Authority issues a fee notice. The fee is payable within twenty-eight days to the account stated on the notice. Registration takes effect when the fee is received.

6. 6

   Step 6: Receive the certificate of registry

   The certificate of registry, showing the vessel's name, registration number and class, is sent by email within five working days of payment. The registration number must be marked on the hull in characters at least 100 millimetres high before the vessel is next used.

The Authority examines applications in order of receipt and expects, in the first weeks of the Register, to issue certificates within ten working days of payment. Applications for vessels in classes E and F, which carry passengers or cargo, are given priority so that services within the Network are not interrupted.

For the surveys required before and after registration, see Surveys and Inspections; for the rules a registered vessel must observe, see Navigation Safety; for the fleet on the Register at establishment, see Statistics. Applications, confirmations and enquiries may be sent to contact@maritime.gov.vin.