Marshall Islands registration: 24m to 500 GT vessels
Marshall Islands Maritime and Corporate Administrators (MIMOSA)
Registration requirements
- Full Marshall Islands commercial or private yacht registration
- Large Yacht Code or MIMOSA equivalent compliance survey
- STCW crew certifications per vessel type and trading area
- MARPOL: Oil Record Book Part I, Garbage Management Plan
- MIMOSA's Large Yacht Regulations compliance
Applicable regulations
- Large Yacht Code (LY3) or equivalent
- SOLAS Chapter V (Safety of Navigation)
- ISM Code (voluntary or flag-mandated)
- MLC 2006 (if crew employed)
- MARPOL Annex I/V
- ISPS Code (port entry)
Advantages
- Worl' largest registry by tonnage - instant global recognition
- Paris MOU White List status
- MIMOSA global network: surveyors in 50+ ports worldwide
- No flag state VAT or income tax on vessel earnings
Typical costs
Annual registration: USD 1,200-3,000; LYC survey: USD 2,500-7,000
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Frequently asked questions
How does Marshall Islands compare to Cayman Islands for a 35m charter yacht?
Both are White List registries. Marshall Islands typically offers lower registration fees and faster paperwork processing. Cayman Islands is preferred when charter brokers or lenders specifically request it for perceived prestige.
Does MIMOSA require ISM for yachts in the 24m-500GT range?
ISM is mandatory for commercial yachts. For private yachts in this tier, ISM is flag-recommended but not always legally required - though most owners implement it voluntarily.
Can Marshall Islands flag a dual-purpose private/charter yacht?
Yes - MIMOSA accommodates yachts that switch between private use and commercial charter with appropriate endorsements on the vessel's certificate.
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