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NATIONALITY RESTRICTIONS / REPRESENTATION  

• Are there any restrictions on company jurisdiction / owner’s nationality?

No restrictions are imposed based on the nationality of the owning company or owner, provided that there are no sanction records.

• Is there a requirement to have an authorized representative/resident agent in the country of registration?

No, there is no requirement for an authorized representative/resident agent in the country of registration.

REQUIREMENTS

• Are scanned copies of documents acceptable for the yacht registration, or original hard copies are needed?

Initially, scanned copies shall be efficient for processing the requested COO. For permanent stage to be processed though, Original Application and original proof of ownership duly notarized BOS must be delivered to the Head Office of the Palau Flag Administrator (Piraeus, Greece).

• Should the documents be in a notarized form or apostilled?

The Bill of Sale (reflecting transfer of ownership from A to B) shall be duly notarized (and /or apostilled).

• What is the official language in which documents shall be provided for Yacht Registration?

The documents must be in English language.

• What are the requirements for Provisional Pleasure Yacht Registration?

The requirements for Provisional Registration (valid for 6 months) are:

• Acceptance of Quotation – estimated based on the yacht’s LOA, YOB, previous flag 
• Application for Pleasure Yacht Registration (Appl. A037)
• Application for Ship Radio Station License (if applicable) – (Appl. 002)
• Current Certificate of Registry
• Power of Attorney or Articles of Incorporation as authority proof for the signatory, or a copy of their passport (for individual applicants)
• Proof of Ownership such as a Bill of Sale, Builder’s Certificate or court documents duly notarized, apostilled or authenticated by PISR Deputy Registrar. (In case the ownership remains the same with valid permanent COR, this requirement is overridden).
• Copy of Passport of the applicant’s signatory
• Tonnage Certificate (for yachts of length above 24m)

PISR may issue a Pleasure Yacht Document of Compliance for yachts under or over 24 meters upon receipt of an inspection report for the yacht. In the absence of an inspection report for yachts under 24 meters, an insurance inspection report may be accepted.

The Provisional Certificate of Registry is issued within 24 hours, provided that all requirements have been met.

The list of Requirements can be found Online in the section “服務要求”.

• What are the requirements for Permanent Pleasure Yacht Registration?

The requirements for Permanent Registration (valid for 1, 3, or 5 years, based on client’s choice) are:

• Original Application for Pleasure Yacht Registration (A037) – to be delivered to the Head Office of the Palau Flag Administrator
• Original deletion certificate from previous flag to be delivered to the Head Office of the Palau Flag Administrator OR Electronic Certificate of Deletion, which can be verified through QR Code.
• Original Proof of Ownership (e.g. Bill of Sale / Builders’ Certificate) (duly notarized apostilled or authenticated by PISR Deputy Registrar) – to be delivered to the Head Office of the Palau Flag Administrator (In case the ownership remains the same with valid permanent COR, this requirement is overridden).

• Picture of the yacht (visible markings)

The list of Requirements can be found Online in the section “服務要求”.

• Are there other fees for the Permanent Registration?

No, there is no additional fee for the Permanent Registration, as same have been covered during the Initial (Provisional) Registration stage.

DOCUMENTS RECEIVED

• What documents will I receive and in what format?

e-Certificate for Provisional Yacht  registration, the Radio Station License (if applicable) and the Minimum Safe Manning (if applicable) is provided by e-mail in PDF format, including unique Certificate Authorization Number for the verification of the authenticity/validity of the certificate via the website of the Palau Flag Administrator.

C.001 – PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRY

C.002 – PROVISIONAL SHIP RADIO STATION LICENSE

C.003 – MINIMUM SAFE MANNING CERTIFICATE

COMPLETION DATE

• How long does it take to register a yacht under the Palau Flag Administration?

The Palau Registry offers a fast and straightforward yacht registration process, completed within 24 hours upon receipt of the required documents.

Our dedicated Team guides our clients through the process step-by-step in real time in order to provide a seamless and smooth process for all parties.

COMMERCIAL YACHT

What are the requirements for Commercial Yacht Registration?

Commercial Yacht Registration Requirements:

1. Acceptance of Quotation OR Purchase Order
2. Application for Registration (Appl. A001)
3. Application for Minimum Safe Manning (Manning Composition) (Application A039) based on the Commercial Yacht Safety Code (page 53) for yachts more than 24m in length.
4. Application for Ship Radio Station License (Basic Details) (A.002)
5. Power of Attorney or Article of incorporation as evidence of Authority for the person signing the application form or Copy of Passport (for application by individuals)
6. Proof of Ownership such as Bill of Sale or Court Documents duly notarized or authenticated by a Notary, or PISR Deputy Registrar (In case the ownership remains the same with valid permanent COR, this requirement is overridden).

• Copy of Passport of the application signatory

7. Tonnage certificate for yachts of length over 24m.

The list of Requirements can be found Online in the section “服務要求”.

YACHT SAFETY CODES

• Does Palau Flag provide Pleasure and Commercial Yacht Safety Codes?

Yes. Safety Codes are available in the Online Library of the Flag Administrator:

•  Pleasure Yacht Safety Code

&

•  Commercial Yacht Safety Code.

HOME PORT

• What will be the home port of the registration with Palau?

Yacht owners are given a Malakal Harbor as the yacht’s home port.

DURATION OF REGISTRATION

• What is the duration of the yacht registration?

Yacht owners can select registration periods of 1, 3, or 5 years with competitive fees, along with fully electronic certification.

Registration fees for 1, 3, or 5 years are paid during the initial registration, with no annual taxes. Upon the end of the selected registration period, you may renew the registration for another 1, 3, or 5 years if desired.

YACHT LENGTH CATEGORIES

• What length categories does the Palau Flag offers?

Palau Flag Administration offers Yacht Registrations for four (4) categories depending on length- up to 12m, 16m, 24m, and over 24 meters.

Fees are applicable depending on the length of the yacht and can be found on the Online Calculator.

TAXES & FEES

• Are there any annual taxes applicable?

There are no annual taxes; only one-time fees are required during the initial registration with PISR.

• What registration fees are applicable?

For yachts up to 24 m the fees are based on the length of the yacht, only, and in three (3) categories depending on the desired duration of registration (1,3 or 5 years).

For Yachts more than 24 m taxes and fees are determined based on the yacht’s Gross Tonnage (GRT) and Year of Build (YOB).

• Who is obliged to pay the expenses for the yacht?

The Palau Flag Administrator requires the billing information to issue the relevant invoice, which is paid by the yacht’s owner or the yacht’s agent/representative.

DISCOUNTS

• Are there any discounts applicable for yacht registration?

PISR provides a set fee schedule for Pleasure and Commercial Yacht Registrations. In case further review is requested, the Administration is to additionally review the inquiry.

MMSI REGISTRATION / FEES

• When can I apply for MMSI Registration?

If needed/applicable, Application for Ship Radio Station License – (Appl. 002) is submitted to the Palau Flag Administrator during the Yacht provisional Registration. There are no additional fees for the MMSI registration, as same are included in the initial registration fees, along with the call sign and the official number under the Palau Flag.

• Can I have an Official Number and Call Sign (and MMSI) allocated before Yacht Registration?

Yes. Provided that you have submitted request for Acceptance from the Palau Registry, and we are in receipt of the necessary application forms, supporting documentation and relevant acceptance fee.  Then you have the Name / Official Numbers / Call Sign and/or MMSI Numbers reserved for 1 month.

INTERNATIONAL TONNAGE CERTIFICATE

• Is International Tonnage Certificate required for the Yacht registration?

All yachts of 24 meters and over should comply with the International Convention on Tonnage Measurements of ships, 1969. The tonnage of yachts of less than 24 meters should be measured using the simplified method in the Palau Pleasure Yacht Safety Code.

However, a Pleasure Yacht Document of Compliance (DOC) is not necessary.

The Administration may issue a Pleasure Yacht Document of Compliance for yachts of less or more than 24 m in respect of yacht for which it has received an inspection report for pleasure yacht. In absence of the inspection report for yachts less than 24 m, an insurance inspection report may be accepted.

REGISTRY INFORMATION

• What information is reflected in the public register?

The yacht’s Certificate of Registry (COR) includes details such as the yacht’s name, IMO or ID number, port of registry, call sign, official number, previous name and nationality, construction material, year of build, builders, place of build, engine information, and owner’s information.

• Is the right of gratuitous use subject to registration? Is it reflected in the register?

No, the flag registry does not involve itself in the gratuitous use of the yacht. The owner can permit a third party to use their property without charge. However, commercial use is subject to different requirements.

YACHT MORTGAGE / TRANSCRIPT OF REGISTRY

• Is it possible to encumber the yacht with a mortgage, and will this information be public?

A yacht must be free of encumbrances when entering our flag registry. However, a mortgage can be registered immediately after the yacht’s registration with the Palau Flag Administration.  

This information will be publicly accessible via a Transcript of Registry.

Legal Opinion / Overview of Republic of Palau’s Laws Shipping and Mortgage Laws by a Palauan Lawyer is available in our website Library.

• What information is reflected in the Transcript of Registry?

The Transcript of Registry includes the following information:

• Vessel’s name
• IMO number
• Port of Registry
• 呼叫信号*
• Official Number
• MMSI Number
• Vessel Type
• Previous Name
• Previous Nationality
• Year of Build
• Material
• Place of Build
• Year of Rebuild
• Builders
• 总吨位*
• Net Tonnage
• Length
• Breadth
• Depth
• Deadweight
• Number of engines
• Type of engines
• Engine Maker
• Main Engine Power (kW)
• Name, Residence, IMO number of owner
• Name, Residence, IMO number of bareboat charter (if any)
• Mortgage amount
• Mortgagee’s name, address
• Maturity Date
• Rate of interest
• Registration of first preferred mortgage
• Date of Initial Ship Registry
• Date of Closure of Registry (if applicable)
• Registration type
• Registration Status
• Registration Expiry Date
• DPA’s information

Who can request/obtain Transcript of Registry?

A third party may request a Transcript of Registry.

MANNING REQUIREMENTS

• What are the manning requirements for Pleasure Yachts?

Minimum safe manning requirements for Pleasure Yachts are not mandatory and may be applicable to private yachts depending on the yacht’s size and location of operation.

Kindly refer to section 14 of the Pleasure Yacht Safety Code of Palau International Ship Registry.

• What are the manning requirements for Commercial Yachts?

All commercially registered yachts, Pleasure Yachts with Limited Charter, Yacht engaged in trade, and Passenger Yachts are required to have an MSMC on board to ensure that Palau registered yachts are safely manned and in accordance with international regulations. For commercial yachts, YETs, and PAXYs these manning requirements apply whenever the yacht proceeds to sea. 

Kindly refer to section 25 of the Commercial Yacht Safety Code of Palau International Ship Registry.

NUMBER OF PASSENGERS

• What is the limitation for the number of passengers for Commercial Yachts?

The Republic of Palau Commercial Yacht Safety Code has been developed to be applied to sailing and motor yachts registered with the Palau Flag that are trading commercially, and which do not carry more than 12 passengers.

The Code applies to three different categories of yachts, including:

a. Category 1: Yachts between 8 m and 24 m (Load Line length).

b. Category 2: Yachts more than 24 m in length but less than 500 GT

c. Category 3: Yachts of more than 500 GT.

Any vessel carrying more than 12 passengers will be regarded as a Passenger Vessel and therefore needs to comply with Passenger Ship Safety Regulations as described under the SOLAS Convention.

SURVEYS AND INSPECTION OF YACHTS

• Are Pleasure Yachts subject to survey/inspection?

Pleasure Yachts <24 m

For yachts of less than 24 m, the renewal/initial inspection is not mandatory but highly recommended. In certain case at the discretion of the Administration, an insurance inspection report based on an insurance survey may be accepted for the purpose of issuing voluntarily the Pleasure Yacht Document of Compliance.

Pleasure Yachts   >24 m

Every yacht of 24 m and over shall be subjected to the following surveys:

.1 An Initial Survey, before the ship is put in service which encompasses a complete inspection of a yacht including an inspection of the outside of the yacht’s bottom.

.2 A Renewal Survey, which includes the thorough inspection overall of the yacht’s structure, machinery, equipment, and other arrangements in accordance with the requirements of the Code. This survey is to be carried out at intervals not exceeding five (5) years from the date of the initial survey. The Renewal survey includes an inspection of the outside of the yacht’s bottom.

Surveys of yachts required by the Commercial Yacht Safety Code shall be conducted by an authorized Palau surveyor or by a surveyor to a Recognized organization.

• What are the surveys/inspections applicable for Commercial Yachts?

Survey by a Recognized Organization (RO)

All yachts ≥ 500 GT shall be classed by a Recognized Organization and shall maintain valid classification throughout the validity of the Palau Certificate of Registry. Additionally, all commercial yachts of ≥ 500 GT shall comply with the International Conventions as applicable to her size and trading area.

Flag Inspection 

Commercial Yachts of 300 Gross Tonnage and above are subject to Flag Inspection scheme

according to the Administration inspection scheme.

INSURANCE

• What are the insurance requirements, how frequently must they be renewed, and with which companies?

 Insurance requirements are at the owner’s discretion. For yachts with a GRT over 500, a Wreck Removal Certificate is needed, requiring a Blue Card issued by an approved P&I Club.

CHARTER ALLOWANCE – CONVERTION FROM PLEASURE TO COMMERCIAL YACHT REGISTRATION

• Is it possible to convert the Pleasure yacht to commercial use?

Yes, Private yachts under 500GT can register as commercial yachts, as PISR provides a Limited Charter Allowance, permitting up to 90 days of chartering within a calendar year, provided that some additional requirements are satisfied.

Please, refer to PISR’s Marine Circular 188.1 concerning Pleasure Private Yachts of Less Than 500GT With Limited Charter Allowance.

• What are the requirements for the Limited Charter Allowance for 90 days?

The Requirements for Pleasure Yacht (for 1,3 or 5 years) Engaged in Limited Charter Period for 90days are:

1. Application for Pleasure Yacht Registration (A.037)
2. Application for Ship Radio Station License (A.002) with basic Details (if the yacht has Radio Equipment) – if applicable
3. 当前登记证书
4. Power of Attorney or Article of incorporation as evidence of Authority for the person signing the application form or Copy of Passport (for application by individuals)
5. Proof of Ownership, such as Bill of Sale, Builder Certificate, Court Documents duly notarized or authenticated by a Notary, or PISR Deputy Registrar.
6. Copy of Passport of the application signatory
7. Tonnage Certificate for yachts of length above 24 meters.

During this period, Palau Flag Administration permits the yacht to engage in commercial activities for up to 90 days (equivalent to 3 months) within one (1) calendar year with a maximum of twelve (12) passengers.

For these 90 days of limited charter, a Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC) will be issued. Additionally, a new Certificate of Registry (COR) and Ship Station License (SSL) will be provided, both annotated with the relevant remark regarding the charter activities.

• Does the 90-days charter allowance need to be conducted in a one-time period?

The validity of the above-mentioned certificates depends on the chartering period, which is up to 90 days. This period of 90 days needs to be concluded within a calendar year (1^st January – 31^st December), regardless of how these days will be used, either altogether or from time to time. If the days are used every now and then, “x” amount will be charged each time.

• What are the requirements to convert Private Yacht Registration into Commercial Yacht Registration?

The requirements for Charter Period of 90 days as a commercial Yacht are:

• Application for Minimum Safe Manning (Manning Composition) (Appl. A039) (issued at the time of charter period )

Minimum Safe Manning Certificate is compulsory. Safety manning requirements should be in accordance with Annex IV of the Palau Commercial Yacht Code. (page 53-54)

• The registered owner will have to submit an application (F.052) for limited charter allowance to the Palau Ship Registry Administrator for any yacht which intends to use the limited charter allowance privilege. To ensure timely processing, applications should reach the Palau Ship Registry Administrator at least one (1) week prior to the start date of the charter.

Last update: 3/12/2024