Ship Registration
Ship Registration
The Commonwealth of Dominica International Ship Registry is one of the most cost-effective international ship registries in the world and is part of a program that incentivizes compliance by offering ship owners and operators a direct link to the Administration with fast, efficient and reliable services. Registering a vessel under the Commonwealth of Dominica is efficient and straightforward. We are available to assist the client throughout the complete process.
Our administration boasts a comprehensive knowledge of registering all vessel types. We provide outstanding technical assistance, competitive registration fees and absolutely no hidden costs or tonnage taxes. The first step is to submit a request for acceptance to the Registry. A quotation will be provided upon acceptance, and it is smooth sailing from there. We can tailor the registration process specific to each client’s needs.
It is important to note that vessels, corporations, beneficial owners are vetted through a series of procedures to ensure that vessels, companies and anyone registering ships is not engaged in illicit activities or has been sanctioned by any United Nation’s body or any other member state.
For more information, email us HERE.
Ship Registration
To register a ship with the Commonwealth of Dominica International Ship Registry, download the form below.
The completed form can returned HERE.
How to Register a Ship with the Commonwealth of Dominica International Ship Registry
Step 1
- Client is to complete Vessel Registration Request Form (CDVR-1020) and provide details on the proposed vessel, intended owner, operator, classification society and trade area for review by DMA Registration Department.
- DMA will conduct an internal review and vet the vessel and companies for sanctions compliance and also identify possible deceptive shipping practices utilized for potential illicit activities. Measures taken will include:
- Researching a ship’s history to identify regular AIS manipulation
- Monitor for AIS Disablement
- Communicating with other flag state authorities on history of vessel
- Utilizing available resources for review of commercial shipping data, ship location, ship registry information and name change history.
- DMA will complete a Ship Risk Profile (CDVR-1034) based on research found to determine if the vessel meets risk standards for acceptance.
- DMA provides client a response and upon acceptance invites the client to proceed to Step 2.
Step 2
- Client completes applicable application forms and submits them with supporting documents as outlined in registration requirements checklist. Typically this is CDVR-6001 for a standard flag change but depending on other types (Laid Up, Bareboat In/Out, or Single Purpose Voyage) an alternative checklist will apply.
- DMA reviews forms and supporting documents to verify all applicable requirements for provisional registration have been received.
- Prior to issuance of any vessel documentation DMA must complete an enhanced due diligence review of the owning and operating company. This involves receiving the corporate documents for the owning and operating company which identifies beneficial owners and shareholders including passport copies for these individuals. DMA vets this against UNSC and OFAC sanctions compliance databases.
- Once all provisional registration requirements from the checklist have been received and enhanced due diligence review of owner completed DMA issues provisional registration certificates to the vessel valid for a three month period. Vessels subject to the Flag State Inspection program are requested to complete their initial safety inspection during this period.
- DMA then welcomes the client to proceed to Step 3.
Step 3
- The vessel’s provisional registration period it designed to allow for a vessel owner time to complete the formalities necessary for permanent registration of their vessel. This includes applying for and receiving deletion and a closing Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) from the previous flag as well as obtaining all necessary insurance for commercial operation.
- Client submits to DMA all applicable registration requirements for permanent registration listed on their checklist form for review.
- DMA reviews documents and once all requirements are received proceeds to issue the vessel their permanent registration certificates which will be valid until the anniversary date of initial registration.
- Client is asked to proceed with Step 4 three months in advance of the expiration of the vessel registration certificates.
Step 4
- Client reaches out to DMA Registration Department to initiate the vessel registration renewal process.
- DMA provides checklist of requirements necessary for registration renewal of their vessel.
- Client then submits necessary requirements to DMA for review and processing. Upon receipt of all renewal requirements DMA issues new permanent registration certificates valid for an additional year. Vessels subject to the Flag State Inspection program are asked to contact the Inspection Department to schedule their annual safety inspection within a window from three months prior to three months after their registration anniversary date.
