Ship registration
Certificate Application Processing delays
Maritime New Zealand is currently experiencing high volumes of applications for licensing and certification. Please be aware this has extended our usual response and processing times. Where possible, please take the extended timeframes into account when submitting your application.
Be assured, we are doing the hard mahi(work) to get back to you, and your manawanuitanga (patience) and mahi tahi (cooperation) makes a huge difference and are greatly appreciated. If you need to get in touch with us, see our Contact us information below.
Ways you can help us minimise delays on your application:
- make sure applications are complete* using the checklists provided on our website
- where possible, submit applications well before they are needed
* A complete application means all the required supporting information for your application type is received, where applicable payment has been made and your application has been referred to an Advisor for assessment.
About registration
Ship registration provides nationality; a registered ship that travels overseas has the protection of the New Zealand Government. The registration papers provide proof of identity.
Additional benefits depend on the type of registration that a ship has. The type of registration required for a vessel depends on several factors, including:
- if the ship will be used commercially or for pleasure
- the length of the ship
- if the ship is New Zealand or foreign owned
- if the ship will go overseas
To determine whether you need to register your ship and, if so, the type of registration you need to apply for, use our flow chart.
Further information can be found in our ship registration guide.
Ship registration flow chart [PDF: 73kB, 1 page] A guide to ship registration [PDF: 63kB, 5 pages]
How to register your vessel
There are two types of ship registration and for some ships it is compulsory* to be registered:
1. Part A registration
Part A registration is mainly for larger commercial vessels.
Register your vessel under Part A here
2. Part B registration
Part B registration is mainly for recreational vessels voyaging overseas.
Register your vessel under Part B here
All transactions regarding ship registration involve making changes to the New Zealand Register of Ships. For example:
- changing your registered address/vessel ownership
- closing a registration
- appointing a representative person
- getting a replacement Certificate of Registration
* To determine whether you need to register your vessel, see our flow chart.
New Zealand Register of Ships
The New Zealand Register of Ships is a list of all vessels registered in New Zealand under the Ship Registration Act 1992.
The register, held in Maritime New Zealand’s Wellington office, is available for inspection by the public. The Registrar of Ships is responsible for maintaining the register.
The register has two parts (Part A and Part B) and includes details of those ships which must be registered under the Ship Registration Act 1992 and those ships whose owners have voluntarily chosen to register them.
Searching the register
For more information
Contact us
If you have any questions about ship registration, contact us.
Phone:
+64 4 473 0111
Calls to this number are answered Monday to Friday 0900 – 1630 New Zealand local time (excluding national public holidays).
Email:
ship.registration@maritimenz.govt.nz