How to Register a Yacht in Seychelles?

Seychelles is recognized globally as a reliable jurisdiction for yacht registration, offering efficiency, legal compliance, and a high level of privacy for owners. Whether for private use or commercial operations, registering a yacht in Seychelles provides international recognition and access to global maritime waters.

If you are looking to register a yacht in Seychelles, then this guide is for you. It walks you through the process, required documents, and benefits of yacht registration in Seychelles. Read on to learn more.

What is Seychelles Yacht Registration?

Yacht registration in Seychelles refers to the process of officially recognizing a maritime vessel, granting it a legal status, and registering it under the flag of the country. Through Seychelles yacht registration, a vessel is recognized by maritime authorities and granted the right to navigate in both national and international waters. However, only a Seychelles citizen or a company incorporated in Seychelles can register a yacht.

Types of Seychelles Yacht Registration

Seychelles offers numerous types of yacht registration. Here are some relevant registrations for foreign investors:

• International Yacht vessels

This registration is only for vessels trading in an unlimited area. An unlimited maritime area refers to the vast exclusive economic zone where a country can explore and exploit marine resources.

• Parallel Registration

This Seychelles yacht registration refers to a vessel yet to be registered under the flag of Seychelles, while still maintaining its registration in another country.

• Provisional Registration

It is a temporary form of registration that allows a vessel to be recognized under a specific flag while the owner completes the necessary documentation and formalities for permanent registration.

Steps to Register a Yacht in Seychelles

You can follow the steps below for yacht registration in Seychelles:

1. Fill Out the Application

You must complete the RS 01A form for Seychelles yacht registration. Mention details such as the name given to the vessel, the hull number of the ship if it is a new construction, the present flag of registry (if any), the proposed date of registration, the name of the port, and the name and address of the owner, among other details. Upon filling the form, the owner or joint owners must submit an application to the Registrar of Seychelles Ships, based in Port Victoria.

2. Declaration of Ownership

Section 25 of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1992 requires the owners to declare their ownership by signing a formal declaration of ownership.

3. Get the Survey and Measurement Done

Section 21 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1992 requires yachts and ships to be surveyed by a surveyor. Moreover, the surveyor will ascertain the tonnage in accordance with the rules and grant you the tonnage certificate.

4. Get the Marking of the Yacht

As defined under Section 61 of the Merchant Shipping Act, a ship must display the marks, such as plimsoll marks and draft mark, as per the International Convention on Load Line (ICLL), before you register a yacht in Seychelles.

5. Submission and Payment

Once all requirements are met and documents are submitted, the registrar enters the yacht in the official register of ships after receiving the required fee (if applicable).

6. Certificate of Registry

Once the registration of a yacht in the Seychelles is complete, the registrar will issue a certificate of registry. This document must be kept on board as it serves as proof of legal registration.

Key Documents Required for Seychelles Yacht Registration

Here is the list of documents required for registering a yacht in Seychelles:

• Complete Application Form RS01
• A Copy of the Passport or National Identity Card of the owner
• If the owner is a non-resident, a letter appointing a Seychelles-registered agent
• Declaration of Ownership (must be notarized and stamped by the Notary) RS02
• Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Particulars of Directors (if the owner of the vessel is a corporation)
• Proof of Authorization– for a representative to sign on behalf of the owner (where applicable)
• A Copy of the Bill of Sale
• A Copy of the Builder’s Certificate
• A Copy of a valid Insurance Policy (and will not expire in the following three months)
• The Deletion Certificate from the previous Flag State (not applicable for newly built vessels)
• A Copy of the International Tonnage Certificate (if the vessel is over 24m and applying for international registration)
• A Copy of all statutory and Class certificates (where applicable)
• Complete the form for the call sign/MMSI number
• Complete the 406 MHz EPIRB Registration Form (if there is any onboard)
• Vessel to be surveyed for its seaworthiness certificate by an approved *Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA) surveyor* or an *approved Recognized Organization*
• Copy of Minimum Safe Manning Certificate
• An A4 photo of the vessel (color)
• Provide a copy of the Import Permit (where applicable)
• For fishing vessels, written approval from the Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) is required
• Complete the Radio Application Form and bring it to the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA).

Note: Vessels need to complete the registration process before SLA can issue the Radio license.

Other Key Requirements to Register a Yacht in Seychelles

After registering the yacht in Seychelles, you must also comply with the following requirements as per the Merchant Shipping Act, 1992:

• Ownership changes: Any changes in ownership must be reported to the Registrar within 30 days.
• Managing owner: The name and address of the managing owner must always be recorded with the registrar.
• Annual fees: Registration may include annual renewal or other prescribed fees.
• Provisional registration: If the yacht is outside Seychelles, provisional registration may be arranged with a diplomatic or consular officer and converted to full registration upon the vessel’s arrival in the jurisdiction.

Benefits of Yacht Registration in Seychelles

Read on to know the benefits of registering a yacht in Seychelles:

1. Low Registration Cost

Seychelles charges a low registration cost, making it an attractive destination for registering both private and commercial yachts.

2. No Nationality Restriction

There are no restrictions on the nationality of the yacht owner, making it a viable option for international owners.

3. Confidentiality and Privacy

Seychelles offers a high level of privacy, with no obligation to publish the identities of owners.

4. International Recognition

Seychelles also offers international registration for yachts, which in turn simplifies customs clearances and allows for more straightforward navigation in global waters.

You can enjoy numerous benefits, such as international recognition and no nationality registration, through Seychelles yacht registration. However, you need to compile multiple documents and follow through a lengthy process to register a yacht in Seychelles. It can be overwhelming for any new vessel owner. That’s where Business Setup Worldwide steps in. We assist you with fulfilling the formalities and obtaining the necessary documents. Get in touch with us to avail of our boat and yacht registration services. Moreover, we can also assist you with offshore company formation in the Seychelles to simplify the yacht registration process.