Barbados Yacht Registry Overview
What you should know about yacht registration in Barbados.
Barbados registry overview is a free public service designed to inform boaters about federal registration requirements, recording methods, and record search lookups in the island country of Barbados. This includes essential references referrals for the most detailed and accurate information currently available.
Barbados Yacht Registry
A wide range of internationally owned vessels carry the Barbados flag including yachts, tankers, bulk carriers, and containerships.
The Barbados yacht registry is a preferred option for many owners both private and corporate. It is not only flexible with regard to usage and rules, there are also favorable tax considerations.
Barbados is a parliamentary democracy located in the Caribbean Sea northeast of Venezuela. It's primary language is
English.
Registry Administration
Yacht registration in Barbados is administered by the Barbados Maritime
Ship Registry (BMSR). The registry is headquartered in London with satellite offices located throughout the world.
Visit its website for additional details.
Registry Requirements
Any yacht up to 20 years old is generally eligible for registration.
Barbados Ship Registry Yachts between 21–25 years old may be considered
on a discretionary basis by the Principal Registrar. Yachts older than
25 years are not accepted for registration.
Entity Ownership: Private yachts may optionally be classed under a Barbados
recognized organization.
Barbados Ship Registry
Citizenship: Barbados flagged vessels must be
owned by citizens of Barbados, the Caribbean Community, or a qualified
corporation.
Recording Provisions
The Barbados Maritime Ship Registry has provisions for the
recording of vessel mortgages. Recording procedures and priorities are
similar to USCG vessel documentation. Visit the BMSR website for
additional details.
Registry Searches
Transcripts of registry showing ownership and mortgage details can be obtained by contacting the BMSR.
Taxation
Barbados is attractive for yacht owners due to light regulatory burden, global business tax incentives, and no tax on offshore income. Commercial activity within Barbados could trigger local VAT, but offshore operations are generally shielded.
Confidentiality
Transcripts of registry in Barbados identify the vessel
owners and addresses. However, they do not identify individual owners
for yachts registered to legal entities. Corporate shareholder records
are also shielded from the general public.
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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