BVI
Frequently Asked Questions - BVI Yacht registration
Can any national apply for the BVI yacht registration?
BVI vessel registrations are available to both individuals and businesses falling under the following categories:
- The United Kingdom
- British Crown Dependencies and overseas territories
- Individuals and businesses with BVI registrations
- The Caribbean Community
- Eastern Caribbean States Organization
- A member of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA)
What paperwork is necessary to register the yacht?
Passport copy, company formation documents (If applicable) A Builder's Certificate, Copy of Bill of Sale, Share Certificate (if applicable)
Can I register in the British Virgin Islands as a commercial or bareboat charter?
Yes, since joining the Red Ensign Group in 2014, the British Virgin Islands have made it possible to register a private, commercial, or merchant vessel flying the UK red ensign flag.
Do you accept paperwork in any language?
The documents must be in English, in case of other language we can have them sworn translated.
What is the estimated time it will take for my yacht to be registered in BVI?
A vessel can be registered with the BVI flag, in 3 business days, if all the documents are correctly submitted and invoice has been paid.
Do you provide Provisionals?
Yes. The vessel can be provisionally registered for 3 months.
How soon can you provide the provisional?
The processing time for a provisional registration for a vessel under the British Virgin Islands (BVI) flag can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the registration and the completeness and accuracy of the documentation provided. However, typically, the process of obtaining a provisional registration for a vessel with the BVI Shipping Registry can take several days.
How does the registration document look like?
The document is a Legal Form in a Blue Hard Cover Book.
How long is the BVI registration valid for?
Initial BCI registration for pleasure vessel is valid for 1 year and can be renewed for 1, 3 or 5 year(s) commercial vessel is valid for 1 year and can be renewed for 1 year.
Is inspection needed?
Inspections are not needed for the privately registered boat. However, all vessels to operate commercially must be inspected and certified.
Do the papers need to be apostilled?
Yes, documents needs be notarized or apostilled.
What flag do I need to fly on my yacht once the registration is done?
Once your yacht is registered under the British Virgin Islands (BVI) flag, you will be required to fly the BVI flag on your vessel when it is at sea. The flag is also known as the "British Overseas Territory Ensign"
Is there a possibility to register a kayak/jet ski?
They can be listed as part of the vessel equipment.
Do you help with the MMSI license?
Yes, we can help you with the BVI MMSI license.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept all payment methods.
What kind of license is required to sail?
It depends on the operation of the boat.
How may the owner of a valid BVI registration be changed?
A new bill of sale needs to be prepared to change the ownership on papers.
How can I cancel the current BVI registration?
The process for deregistering a vessel from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Shipping Registry typically involves several steps. Here are the general steps for deregistering a vessel from the BVI Shipping Registry:
- Provide notice of deregistration to the BVI Shipping Registry. This can typically be done by submitting a written request to the registry.
- Surrender the vessel's registration certificate and any other relevant documentation, such as the safety certificate, to the BVI Shipping Registry.
- Pay any applicable fees for deregistration, such as administrative fees or outstanding charges.
- The BVI Shipping Registry will process your request and deregister your vessel.