Ship Registration
Depending on the type of ship registration you are applying for, processing times vary between 10 days and 6 weeks, depending on the type of transaction.
Contact Maritime NZ if you need more information about your application type and likely processing times.
About ship registration
Ship registration provides nationality to a ship. A registered ship travelling overseas has the protection of the New Zealand Government. Registration papers are like a passport for your ship, providing proof of identity.
Additional benefits depend on the type of registration a ship has. The type of registration required l depends on several factors, including:
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whether the ship will be used commercially or for pleasure
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the length of the ship
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whether the ship is New Zealand or foreign owned
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whether the ship will go overseas.
To work out whether you need to register your ship, and which type of registration to apply for, use the guide and flow chart below.
How to register your ship
There are two types of ship registration. For some ships it is compulsory to be registered.
Part A registration
Part A registration is mainly for larger commercial vessels.
Part B registration
Part B registration is mainly for pleasure (recreational) vessels voyaging overseas.
New Zealand Register of Ships
The New Zealand Register of Ships (the Register) is a list of vessels registered in New Zealand under the Ship Registration Act 1992.
The Register is is available for public inspection in Maritime NZ’s Wellington Office. The Registrar of Ships is responsible for maintaining the Register.
The Register has two parts, Part A (mainly commercial ships) and Part B (mainly pleasure vessels), and includes details of:
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ships that must be registered under the Ship Registration Act 1992, and
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ships whose owners have voluntarily chosen to register them.
If you have any questions about ship registration or would like to request a form, contact us.