The Benefits of Jersey as a Port of British Registry
 

  • Long history and expertise as a British Register with over 2,000 vessels

  • A member of the coveted Red Ensign Group with a reputation as a quality Register

  • British Consular services and support available when abroad

  • Registration is proof of title and enables owner to obtain a mortgage on the vessel

  • Registration includes bareboat charter option so that legal owner can keep original jurisdiction of registration

  • Sits outside the UK and EU:

                 a) GST-free Temporary Importation into Island

                 b) VAT-free Temporary Importation into EU for ships owned by non-EU residents

  • Registration is only every ten years (UK is 5-yearly)

  • No corporation or tonnage tax for company-owned vessels

  • The Island was white-listed as a transparent and well-regulated offshore finance centre by the OECD in April 2009. It offers unrivalled expertise in asset management and tax-efficient ownership

  • Local expertise in all aspects of yacht and crew management, technical coding and compliance

  • Commercial small ship code up to 150 GT, not 24m, so including a number of ships that would not be eligible in other jurisdictions. Code offers real flexibility regarding equivalents and exemptions where these do not compromise safety:

                 a) Exemption from Load Line Convention Regulations if under 150 GT

                 b) Exemption from STCW application if under 150 GT

                 c) The Employment (Jersey) Law 2003 does not apply to crew in most cases, regardless of vessel tonnage

                 d) Social Security insurance exemptions available to non-resident crew, regardless of vessel tonnage

  • Self-declaration of compliance for pleasure craft between 150 and 400 GT

  • Ownership by a foundation offers fiscal advantages for the management and investment of assets. This is distinct from direct ownership by a Trust, which is prohibited

  • Entitlement to register includes all EU and Commonwealth citizens. This avoids the need for company formation (unless required for tax purposes) for the majority of potential clients. Other Red Ensign jurisdictions may not accept Commonwealth citizenship

N.B. The above is a summary and does not constitute legal or formal advice from the Registry. Clients should make specific enquiries and engage the relevant experts regarding their own situation

Jersey - The British Yacht and Small Commercial Vessel Registry for the Discerning Owner

Registrar of Shipping, Regulatory Services, Jubilee Wharf, 24 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1BB

e-mail shipsregistry@gov.je Tel: +44 (0) 1534 448128, Fax: +44 (0) 1534 448158