If you have an interest in a ship and want to make sure that no transactions are registered which might affect your interest, you can lodge a caveat.
Lodging a caveat means you will be notified if:
- there is an entry or change in the relevant register, against that ship
- an application is made that will make any change to the ship registration.
If you have lodged a caveat and your name or address changes, you must advise us.
What do you need to do?
Lodge a caveat
What do I need to do?
To lodge a caveat over an Australian registered vessel, you need to:
- Provide the ship registration details
You will need to provide us:
- the name
- official number
- other details.
That will identify the registered ship.
- Complete the form
You will need to download and complete the Caveat form.
- Pay fees
You must pay a non-refundable fee when lodging your application.
Learn more about shipping registration fees and payment options.
- How to apply
You will need to attach all required supporting documents and send the paperwork to us at our postal or courier address:
- Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, PO Box 255, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
- Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, Level 2, 28 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
You must include payment with your application.
- Wait for us to let you know
We will let you know if there is any additional information that we need to process your application. If not, the caveat will be registered and you will be sent a letter of confirmation.
Once the caveat has been registered you will be notified if we receive any application to register a dealing in the ship.
Amend name or address details
What do I need to do?
If there is a change to your name or address, you need to:
- Provide required forms
You will need to download and complete a Notice of change of name of caveator or of address for service form 213.
- How to apply
You will need to attach all required supporting documents and send the paperwork to us at our postal or courier address:
- Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, PO Box 255, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
- Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, Level 2, 28 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
You must include payment with your application.
- Wait for us to let you know
When the details have been updated on the register you will be sent a letter confirming that the change has been made.
Withdraw a caveat
Who can withdraw a caveat?
A caveat can be withdrawn by the person who lodged the caveat. But, a caveat can also be withdrawn by:
- The solicitor or authorised agent of the person who lodged the caveat.
- The executor of the will or estate administrator if the person who lodged the caveat is deceased.
- A trustee, official receiver or other person in whom the interest is vested if the Bankruptcy Act 1966 applies.
- An individual entrusted to manage the affairs of the person who lodged the caveat if a court order has determined they lack capacity.
What do I need to do?
To withdraw a caveat, you need to:
- Provide required forms
You will need to download and complete a Withdrawal of caveat form 214.
- Provide supporting documents
There may be other documents, certificates and forms you need to complete if they apply to your circumstances. If any of the documents listed below are required to complete your registration, make sure you include them in your application:
- Copy of the will
- Copy of the probate
- Letters of administration of the person's estate
- Office copy of a court order.
How to apply
Lodge the withdrawal of caveat form with supporting evidence such as a copy of the will or probate, or letters of administration of the estate of the person or an office copy of a court order, depending on the circumstances.
You will need to attach all required supporting documents and send the paperwork to us at our postal or courier address:
- Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, PO Box 255, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
- Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, Level 2, 28 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
You must include payment with your application.
- Wait for us to let you know
We will let you know if there is any additional information that we need to process your application for withdrawal of the caveat. When the details have been updated on the register you will be sent a letter of confirmation.