Marine Registration

British subjects and companies incorporated in certain offshore jurisdictions may qualify to sail under the British flag. This includes companies registered in the Channel Islands, Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands. The British Register of Shipping remains, without question, the best proof of legal title available to the yacht owner.

The basis of marine registration is the same for the largest commercial vessel or the smallest pleasure yacht. In addition to providing proof of title, British registration ensures that any existing or previous mortgages will have been recorded at the Port Registry. Transcripts of this register are available to the public thus creating confidence when either buying or selling the vessel in question. British registration may also enable finance to be raised against the vessel should this be required.

Whether sailing purely for pleasure or as a charter business, the tax consequences - such as the location of the vessel in European waters - need to be carefully considered. Hansard's experience in managing the purchase and registration of yachts has resulted in significant savings for clients.

Hansard Guernsey is able to supervise and monitor all aspects of marine registration from inception, through liaison with the yard or broker and to entry on the register.