Exemption from the requirement to be registered
If your Australian owned vessel is chartered to a foreign operator, the vessel can be exempted from the requirement to be registered.
A vessel can only hold registration in one country. The owner can suspend a registration while the vessel is chartered.
Temporary passes
If your vessel is entitled to be registered, but is not currently registered, it will not be allowed to leave an Australian port for an international destination. Customs officials will not issue an unregistered vessel with a certificate of clearance. A temporary pass may be issued in some circumstances. Alternatively a, provisional registration can be arranged so your vessel can start a voyage before the registration procedure has been completed.
Your vessel will not be allowed to leave a foreign port where there is an Australian diplomatic representative unless it has either been registered or issued with a provisional registration certificate.
If you are travelling between a foreign port and an Australian port (or vice versa), or from one foreign port to another, you can be issued with a temporary pass.
You can also obtain a temporary pass if you have an unregistered vessel participating in a yacht race.
Certificate of non-registration
If your vessel has never been registered on the Australian shipping register and you can provide proof that it has never been registered, you can apply for a certificate of non-registration.
Certificate of entitlement to fly flag
If you have a registered commercial ship over 24 metres in tonnage length, you must fly the Australian Red Ensign. For any other registered ship, you have the choice of flying either the Australian National Flag or the Red Ensign.
If your ship is unregistered, you can get a certificate allowing you to fly either flag.
You might be allowed to fly other flags in Australian waters including:
- a state or territory flag
- a flag or ensign authorised by warrant under the Flags Act 1953
- the British Blue Ensign if you have a warrant valid under British law.
Which transaction do you need?
Exemption from the requirement to be registered
What do I need to do?
To apply for an exemption from the requirement to be registered, you need to:
- Ensure that you have a signed demise charter agreement
A copy of the demise charter agreement is required in order to grant an exemption from the requirement to be registered.
- Complete the form
Application for exemption from the requirement to be registered.
- Pay the fee for an application for exemption
You must pay a non-refundable fee when lodging your application.
Learn more about shipping registration fees and payment options.
- Lodge application form and supporting documentation
Send the original completed form with a copy of the demise charter agreement to:
- Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, PO Box 255, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.
- Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Level 2, 28 Gordon St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.
If your ship is registered you will need to surrender your registration when lodging the 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 exemption will be finalised and we will post the exemption certificate to you.
Temporary passes
What do I need to do?
To apply for a temporary pass, you need to:
- Complete the form
- Pay the application fee
You must pay a non-refundable fee when lodging your application.
Learn more about shipping registration fees and payment options.
- Lodge the application form
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, PO Box 255, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.
- Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Level 2, 28 Gordon St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.
- Wait for us to let you know
We will let you know if there is any additional information that we require to process your application. If not the temporary pass will be finalised and the certificate posted to you.
Certificate of non-registration
What do I need to do?
To apply, you need to:
- Make an application in writing
A request for a certificate of non-registration can be made to the Shipping Registration Office. Provide details of the particulars of the vessel, including:
- name of ship
- name of owner
- type of vessel
- length
- breadth
- engine details
- year built
- place of construction.
- Pay the application fee
You must pay a non-refundable fee when lodging your application.
Learn more about shipping registration fees and payment options.
- Lodge your application
Your application can be sent to:
- Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, PO Box 255, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.
- Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Level 2, 28 Gordon St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.
- Wait for us to let you know
We will let you know if there is any additional information that we require to process your application. If not the certificate of non-registration will be issued and posted to you.
Certificate of entitlement to fly flag
What do I need to do?
If you need a certificate to fly the national flag and the red ensign, you need to:
- Complete the form
Application for certificate of entitlement to fly the national flag and red ensign form 201.
- Pay the application fee
You must pay a non-refundable fee when lodging your application.
Learn more about shipping registration fees and payment options.
- Lodge your application
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, PO Box 255, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.
- Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Level 2, 28 Gordon St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.
- Wait for us to let you know
We will let you know if there is any additional information that we require to process your application. If not the certificate of entitlement to fly the national flag and red ensign will be issued and posted to you.