The process for registry in Bermuda is simple and straightforward.

There are a number of standard forms to be completed and these are all available on this website.

Typically the process  is:

• Reserve a name,
• Submit the application to register,
• Submit the details of the owner and manager (confirming that the owner is a qualified owner).
• Registrar issues a carving and marking note which states the agreed name,  tonnages, numbers etc.
• Application to the Telecommunications Department for Radio License, callsign, MMSI number.
• Registrar appoints a Class surveyor to confirm the details at registry and sends the essential ship certificates and documents out to the class surveyor prior to registry.
• Attending class surveyor verifies that the name and numbers are correctly marked.
• Copy of the builder’s certificate or bill of sale is verified and confirmed to the registrar,
• Ship is registered, and the Class surveyor dates and hands over the certificate of registry and the ship’s certificates.

The process can be completed very quickly.

The ownership of a Bermuda ship is divided into 64 shares which are, themselves, indivisible.  It is a requirement that a majority of the shares (at least 33) are owned by “qualified” persons.  In general  a person is a qualified person if they are:

• A British Citizen
• A British Dependent Territories citizen
• A body corporate registered in the UK or in a UK dependent territory.
• A body corporate registered in the EU or the EEA.

The full details of entitlement are contained in the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) regulations 2003.  There is also a requirement, if the owner is not incorporated in Bermuda for a Bermuda representative person and this person, typically a law firm, is nominated at the time of application.