Boat registration & flag registration
Register your boat with us and benefit from a service tailored to your needs
Why is registering your boat essential?
Registering a boat (or registering a flag) is an important step in ensuring your vessel’s seaworthiness following the purchase of a new or second-hand boat. It is compulsory regardless of whether your vessel is used for commercial or private purposes. Having a registration (or flag) means that you must comply with and respect the fiscal, social, environmental and penal rules of the State in which you are registered. At Pelagia Yachting, we help you to register your boat according to your expectations and needs, while respecting deadlines and offering a made-to-measure service. Which registration should I choose and which is the most suitable for my yacht? This depends on the tax regulations in each state, whether or not the registration requirements are complex, the advantages in terms of security and legal protection, and the type of use of the vessel (pleasure, leisure, commercial, charter, etc.). Once we have all the information we need about the boat and your requirements, we’ll select the registration that’s right for you. If you’ve already done some research, we’ll study your chosen options and help you with the final details.
What mistakes should you avoid when registering your boat?
- You need to make sure that the registration you choose allows your boat to sail where you want, as some registrations have limits or restrictions in certain areas.
- You need to plan ahead so that you can sail in good time.
- Know the compliance requirements, rules and controls on board,
- Be aware of all the associated costs so there are no surprises.
To avoid these kinds of mistakes, Pelagia Yachting will assist you and manage the process from A to Z, sharing its expertise to make things easier and save time. We also call on marine experts to understand the specificities and advantages of each registration.
What are the key steps to successful boat registration?
- Provide the necessary documents to organise the files.
- Carry out an inspection if necessary to ensure that the vessel is in good condition and to identify any defects or needs.
- Fill in the registration form correctly, pay and submit the application.
- Comply with post-registration obligations.
How much does it cost to register your boat?
The cost of registering a ship varies according to the size of the vessel, the type of use by the shipowner and the value of the vessel. Each registration involves different registration and post-registration costs. In general, here are all the costs included: administration fees, flag fees, inspection costs (not compulsory), annual renewal fees, taxes based on gross tonnage, surveyors’ fees, and marine insurance. At Pelagia Yachting, we provide each shipowner with a comprehensive guide and detail each amount transparently so that there is no ambiguity. We tailor each registration to your needs.
What are the main boat registrations for private or charter use in Europe?
In general, the most popular registrations for private sailing in Europe are as follows: France, Malta, Cayman Islands, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Marshall Islands. As a reminder, registration is determined by the owner’s needs, the desired sailing area, the tax situation, the boat’s insurance, its size, etc. The choice of registration is therefore a decision that can have a direct impact on the overall budget for running the yacht. Certain marinas or ports may restrict access to yachts registered under certain flags. The choice of flag can also influence the yacht’s international relations, particularly when sailing in specific geographical areas.
Buying a second-hand boat and changing the registration number – is this a hassle?
No, it’s not, as long as the steps and procedures are followed by both parties. Buying a used boat and changing its registration may involve certain administrative and regulatory steps, but it need not be restrictive if the procedure is followed correctly. Changing the registration involves deregistering the boat in the country of origin and re-registering it in the country of destination. For a change of registration, the bill of sale, VAT payments, vessel history, technical inspection, construction standards, registration cost and import duty must all be complied with. Without this, it will be difficult to de-register and change the current registration. The process of changing registration can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the administrative procedures, the checks to be carried out and local regulations. Changing your registration when buying a second-hand boat is not particularly restrictive if you are well organised and informed. The procedure can be smooth if you choose a registration with simple regulations and few tax requirements.
Our procedures for registering your boat
Registering a yacht may seem complicated, but every step is crucial for compliance and peace of mind when you’re sailing. Whether you’re registering for the first time, changing ownership or flag, or updating your vessel details, Pelagia Yachting is here to guide you. We’ll take care of all the paperwork and make sure your yacht is registered quickly and in line with current regulations. Discover the steps we take to make your life easier.
First registration
Change of address
Change of owner
New engine
Change of flag
Printing and laminating
Deregistration
Personnel number
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