YACHT REGISTRATION - Cook Islands Yacht Squadron

THE COOK ISLANDS SHIPS REGISTRY

Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) is the ship registry of the Cook Islands and it operates an open register for yachts via a network of Deputy Registrars around the world.

MCI performs all Flag State duties for the Cook Islands government through an agreement with the Ministry of Transport As a yacht owner, you can easily qualify to register your yacht through membership of the Cook Islands Yacht Squadron (CIYS).

Cook Islands requires that all yachts that fly our flag comply with all of the relevant international maritime conventions but we do not impose any additional requirements beyond IMO Conventions and IACS Unified Interpretations.

Our yacht registration process is simple and efficient and can be completed with the assistance of your nearest Deputy Registrar.

BENEFITS OF YACHT REGISTRATION

(i) The promotion and administration of the Cook Islands Ships Registry is undertaken by Maritime (Cook Islands) Ltd (MCI) a private limited liability company, engaged by the Cook Islands Government under contract for the purpose. MCI has a close working relationship with government and government agencies.

(ii) MCI recognises the importance of its customer’s commercial interests. MCI’s mission is to deliver flexible, quick, efficient, helpful and responsive customer service and satisfaction. Enquiries are addressed within 24 hours.

(iii) Cook Islands has a Permanent IMO representation which enables the Cook Islands to remain up to date with developments.

(iv) The Registry provides wide range of services – private, commercial, dual, charter and passenger yacht registrations.

(v) The Cook Islands is an English common law jurisdiction. As such, Cook Islands maritime law is based on English law. The Cook Islands final court of appeal is the Privy Council in London.

(vi) The Cook Islands has strong Pacific regional connections both at governmental level and in the maritime industry.

(vii) MCI has offices and surveyors around the world for quick and efficient service to customers wherever they may be. We have in house technical support and expertise for new builds and assessment.

(viii) No restrictions on the nationality of crew.

(ix) White list for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)

PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION FOR PRIVATE YACHTS

The vessel registration process is commenced by completing an ‘Application for Registration’ available through a Deputy Registrar (specific to region), who will lead you through the process.

The Application Form is to be accompanied by:

Owner Details
• Company Certificate / CIYS membership letter

Other
• Carving and Markings Note, including current photo of vessel
• Pre-Registration Inspection ( if applicable)
• Proof of Deletion from previous flag
• Proof of suspension from previous flag (if charter registration)
• Completed copies of all previous closed CR ( as per SOLAS Chapter XI-1 Regulation 5-8) ( all vessels over 500GT)
• Copy of P&I policy evidencing financial security for MLC regulation 2.5 and 4.2 (applicable to all commercial vessels; MCI requires that the MLC financial security is maintained, and will require evidence that it is maintained) ( for commercially operated vessels, excluding unmanned barges)

* Reviewed, signed and sealed by a Justice of the Peace, a Commissioner for Oaths, Solicitor, Notary Public or the Registrar or Deputy Registrar of Ships of the Cook Islands Registry or before any person authorised by law to administer oaths in the country where the declaration is made.

Subject to approval by the Registrar of Ships, and upon payment of the registration fee, a Provisional Certificate of Registry will be issued. This certificate is effective from the date of issue and valid for a period of 3 months. During this time the requirements for permanent registration are to be completed. The Registrar may extend the period of provisional registration in special circumstances.

N.B. The Registrar has the discretion to require, if deemed necessary, additional surveys to be conducted before issuance of a Permanent Certificate of Registry. Failure to submit required documents may delay the registration process.

PERMANENT REGISTRATION FOR PRIVATE YACHTS

Owner Details

Company Certificate / CIYS membership letter

Other

Carving and Markings Note, including current photo of vessel ( see website for application form)
Pre-Registration Inspection ( if applicable)
Proof of Deletion from previous flag ( if charter registration)
Proof of suspension from previous flag (if charter registration)
Completed copies of all previous closed CR ( as per SOLAS Chapter XI-1 Regulation 5-8) ( all vessels over 500GT)
Copy of P&I policy evidencing financial security for MLC regulation 2.5 and 4.2 (applicable to all commercial vessels; MCI requires that the MLC financial security is maintained, and will require evidence that it is maintained) ( for commercially operated vessels, excluding unmanned barges)

N.B. The Registrar has the discretion to require, if deemed necessary, additional surveys to be conducted before issuance of a Permanent Certificate of Registry.

PERIOD OF REGISTRATION

Owner can opt to register the yacht for 1 year, 3 years or 5 years.

The owner of the yacht may register for a one (1) year, where the owner must renew his/her yacht registration on an annual basis. Alternatively a three (3) year or five (5) year registration can be paid in advance, freeing the owner from annual filings.

HOME PORTS

The owner of a yacht registered in the Cook Islands has the option of selecting from the following Ports of Registry:

AVATIU
CIYS – Cook Islands,
CIYS – Avatiu,
CIYS – Arutanga,
Arutanga

SIZE AND AGE LIMITATION

There is no size or age limitation for Yachts.