British Virgin Islands Yacht Registry Overview
What you should know about yacht registration in the British Virgin Islands.
British Virgin Islands registry overview is a free public service designed to inform boaters about national registration requirements, recording methods, and record search lookups in the British Virgin Islands. This includes essential references referrals for the most detailed and accurate information currently available.
British Virgin Islands Yacht Registry
The
British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory in the
Caribbean that is located east of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and
north-west of Anguilla. The primary language of the British Virgin
Islands is British English. Yachts registered in the BVI fly the British Class 1 Red Ensign
which ensures they are treated as British yachts with resulting legal protection and oversight. The yacht registry
is a full-service maritime administration with a keen focus on safety, customer service and delivering
high-quality services while keeping with international standards.
Its reputation and industry-wide recognition as a recreational vessel register has extended into large private and commercial yachts.
Registry Administration
The British Virgin Islands yacht registry is administered by the Virgin
Islands Shipping Registry (VISR). Its principal office is located in Road Town, Tortola with two additional ports of registry in White Bay and Gorda Sound.
Contact information can be found in the Referrals for this summary.
Registry Requirements
Yachts of any type and size of less than 3,000 gross tons will qualify for the British Virgin Islands registry. The registry is available to citizens and corporations of the BVI, the United Kingdom, and its Crown Dependencies. Also qualified are overseas territories and member states of the European Community or European Economic Area, overseas territories of the Members of EC or EEA, and a member state of the Caribbean Community or the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
Recording Provisions
The British Virgin Islands Shipping Registry has provisions for the
expedited recording of vessel mortgages which are enforceable worldwide.
Registry Searches
Transcripts of registry showing ownership, mortgage details, liens, encumbrances, and vessel specifics are maintained by the VISR. These may be obtained from the registrar in the form of a transcript of the registry upon payment of the prescribed fee. Information for ordering a transcript or verification of a registry certificate can be found in the Referrals for this summary.
Taxation
The British Virgin Islands offers a tax-neutral, international financial sector and a leading corporate company register. No corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax in the BVI, including no local sales tax or VAT.
Confidentiality
Transcripts of registry in the British Virgin
Islands identify the vessel
owners and addresses. However, they do not identify individual owners
for yachts registered to legal entities. Corporate shareholder
information is 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 is 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
Comments - Suggestions - Corrections