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Services/Ship Registration/Merchant Ship
Vessel Registration

Merchant Ship Registration

Register all types of ships under the Eswatini Flag following EMA Seafarer's & Ship Act 2025 and International maritime conventions

Overview

All types of Ships can be registered under the Eswatini Flag under EMA Seafarer's & Ship Act 2025 and following International maritime conventions. The ship can be registered under the Eswatini Flag if they meet the following standards and requirements.

Registration Conditions

A Ship can be registered under the Eswatini flag if it meets the following conditions:

A

It must be in a seaworthy condition at the time of registration

B

The vessel shall not be more than 20 years of age from completion of first construction

C

In case of vessel is above 20 years of age from completion of first construction, the vessel must comply with the Administration regulation to get it registered

D

If the vessel is a pleasure yacht it must be over 50 net registered tons and a declaration must be submitted that it will be used solely for pleasure purposes ie. It will not carry paying passengers or cargo

Necessary Documentation for Registration
1
Completed Application form
2
Ownership details /National ID/Passport
3
A duly notarized Bill of Sale, or a duly notarized Builder's Certificate, if vessel is a new building
4
Certificate of Good Standing of Applicant Corporation
5
Permission to Transfer or Cancellation of Foreign Registry
6
Proof Vessel is Free of Liens
7
Request for waiver of age
8
An original deletion certificate or a certified copy of the extract of registry from the previous Flag Administration
9
Copy of the Radio Accounting Authority Contract
10
Vessel seaworthiness Report
11
An original or certified copy of a tonnage certificate issued by an authorized survey company
12
Proof of Liability Insurance, including oil pollution, bunker pollution and Nairobi wreck removal insurance as applicable
13
Certificate of No Objection from the Primary Flag Administration in Case of Bare Boat Charter-in Type registration

Ship Registration Types

Ship Registration may also Include the following:

1
Bareboat Charter Registration (Charter-in, Charter-out)
2
Special Registrations for vessels destined for scrap, or delivery voyage
3
Vessels under Construction
4
Yacht Registration
5
Fishing Vessels
Age Requirements and Waivers

Standard Age Limit

Vessels shall not be more than 20 years of age from completion of first construction.

Age Waiver Process

Vessels above 20 years must comply with Administration regulations and submit a request for waiver of age.

Mortgage Registrations

The Vessel registered under Eswatini Flag Administration may submit application for Mortgage registration during its valid registration period.

Prerequisites

As a pre-requisite the ownership title in favour of the registered Ship Owner must first be recorded on the EMA Register.

Application Forms

Note: Application form Related to Mortgage Registration can be downloaded to submit online.

Additional Information

A full listing of costs and requirements can be obtained by contacting our office:

Contact Information

Email: ships@ema.org.sz

For detailed fee structure and additional requirements

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