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Register a vessel on the Australian general shipping register

Ships registered on the Australian general shipping register have Australian nationality.

Registration of a vessel on the Australian general shipping register provides legally and internationally recognisable nationality to your ship. When registered, you will have access to Australian protection on the high seas and in foreign ports.

In addition to ship registration, a vessel may require certification in accordance with:

An Australian-owned ship is required to be registered on the Australian general shipping register if it is one of the following:

  • a commercial vessel, 24 metres or over in tonnage length, capable of navigating the high seas
  • any vessel travelling overseas.

These vessels are exempt from the requirement to be registered (except if they are travelling overseas):

  • pleasure craft
  • fishing vessels
  • government vessels.

These vessels are permitted to be registered and may be registered on the Australian general shipping register if the owner chooses to do so.

Read more about the definition of an Australian owned ship.

Australian registered recreational vessels may also require state registration. For more information, contact your local state marine safety agency. 

The Australian international shipping register is open to Australian owned or operated, international trading ships which meet specific criteria. Read more about which ships are eligible to register on the Australian international shipping register.

Recreational vessels 

If you intend sailing your recreational vessel overseas from:

  • an Australian port to a foreign port
  • a foreign port to a foreign port
  • a foreign port to an Australian port

You must register your vessel on the Australian general shipping register before you leave. 

Recreational vessels on international voyages are also required to comply with certain marine orders.

Domestic commercial vessels

If you own a domestic commercial vessel over 24 metres tonnage length you must register it on the Australian general shipping register. Registration of a vessel on the Australian general shipping register does not automatically permit you to undertake commercial or recreational operations. You can contact AMSA if you have questions about certification requirements for commercial vessels.

How to register your vessel

Please contact the Shipping Registration Office by email for registration requirements for your vessel.

If your vessel has previously been registered on the Australian General Shipping Register, the registration process is slightly different to the process described below. Please include the official number for the vessel when you contact the Shipping Registration Office for information.

The following is required to register your vessel.

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Last updated: 

Wednesday 26 July 2023