Australia Yacht Registry Overview
What you should know about federal yacht registration in Australia
Australia yacht registry overview is a free public service designed to inform boaters about federal registration requirements, recording methods, and record search lookups for the Commonwealth of Australia. This includes essential references referrals for the most detailed and accurate information currently available.
Registry Administration
Federal yacht registration for the Commonwealth of Australia is administered by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's Shipping Registration Office in Canberra.
Registry Requirements
In order to register a yacht on the federal level in
Australia, you must meet citizenship requirements, provide evidence of ownership and the
vessel must be qualified. Recreational yachts can be registered under
the General Register and you don't need to be a commercial operator.
Operational Requirements: There is
no requirement for recreational vessels to become federally registered. However,
Australian owned vessels may not travel to foreign ports unless
registered in the General Shipping Register.
Ownership Requirements:
In order to qualify for Australian yacht registry, the vessel must be
majority-owned by Australian citizens or entities.
Vessel Requirements: There is no vessel size or tonnage
requirement when registering a vessel on the federal level in Australia.
However, Australian flagged vessels may not be registered in another
country.
Recording Methods
Transactions on Australian federally registered vessels are recorded on an underlying abstract or index of title These include all ownership transfers and vessel specifications. However, mortgages and liens are no longer recorded on the abstract.
Lien and Security Interests
Security interests, liens, and mortgages are no longer
recorded on the index of a federally registered vessel in
Australia. As with any other
personal property, these are now recorded in the national Personal
Property Security Register (PPSR). This may not, however, show all claims
against the vessel such as mechanic's liens, possessory liens, tax
liens, and other statutory liens.
Registry Searches
The Australian Maritime Authority maintains an online
database of vessels which is available online by visiting the List of
Registered Vessels. However, such information is limited and can only be
searched by the vessel's name or official number. Complete vessel
details, ownership information, and a history of all recordings can
be found by obtaining a vessel title extract. Security interest data,
mortgages, and liens are however no longer included as these are now
recorded in the national Personal Property Security Register.
Conclusion
This overview was compiled by a maritime professional and enhanced with AI technology. While we strive for accuracy, the content may be subject to change without notice and may contain errors, omissions, or misstatements. Before acting on this material, you should consult the appropriate authority or a qualified legal professional.
References and Referrals
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