Registered ships receive legally recognisable Australian nationality, which provides advantages both at home and abroad:
All Australian owned or operated ships, 24 metres and over in tonnage length, and capable of navigating the high seas, must be registered.
Any ship sailing to a foreign port must also be registered, regardless of size.
All other craft, including government ships, fishing and pleasure craft need not be registered, but may be if the owner wishes to do so.
When registering a vessel, read this document in conjunction with the legislation and supporting regulations:
This document does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for independent professional advice.