Ship Registration in British Virgin Islands

Hilda Loe Associates is pleased to offer clients the opportunity to register their vessels in the British Virgin Islands, the “Yachting Mecca” - the sailing capital next to none. The services we provide include but not limited to are new vessel registration, change of ownership registration, change of vessel name, mortgage registration, mortgage release registration, annual renewals , obtaining of Transcript of Registry and more.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Port of Registry and any vessel registered in BVI has the right to fly the British flag and therefore enjoy the associated benefits.

Many owners register their vessels in the BVI to take advantage of its relatively uncomplicated and competitive ship registration procedures.

The British flag offers vessels sailing under it both prestige and practicality. The Red Star Group, working under charter from the Queen, is the body which regulates the use of the British flag. It decides what types and classes of vessels can be registered under the British flag, thereby creating determinable standards and effective quality control.

This gives rise to a number of obvious advantages - insurance companies recognise that if a vessel is registered under the British flag it will be of an acceptable standard and rates are likely to be lower. Charter companies and guests also look for the British flag to ensure the quality and safety of the vessel.

Advantages of the BVI Ship Registration:

• Vessels registered in the BVI fly the Red Ensign Flag and are entitled to the support of the British Consular and High Commission, and Royal Naval protection.
• The BVI has access to the technical expertise of the British Maritime and Coast Guard Agency. 
• Ownership registration is permitted to citizens of and Companies registered in the British Virgin Islands, The United Kingdom and all British Territories.
• The change or transfer of ownership or title to the vessel is easily verified with the Registry. The BVI Registry has a fully computerised Fleet Management System and Database. 
• Attractive registration and annual maintenance fees.
• Vessel mortgages must be registered with the registry making it easier to resell vessels as the presence or lack of a mortgage is a matter of public record and not good faith..
• Worldwide recognition for Certificates of British Registry.
• The BVI has the British Judicial system, political and social stability.
• Full corporate and legal services as well as Registered Agents readily available through our office and partners in the BVI.
• *Through the formation of a BVI International Business Companies(IBC), any vessel, irrespective of the nationality of the maker or owner, may be registered on the beautiful island of Tortola.