Yacht Classification & Regulatory Requirements

Within our Registry, a yacht is defined as a vessel intended solely for leisure or sporting use, not operating on fixed routes, not carrying cargo, and not engaged in the transport of fare-paying passengers.

A Pleasure Yacht (PL Y) refers to a yacht used exclusively by its owner for private enjoyment and not involved in any commercial activity. If the same vessel is used to carry fare-paying passengers, it is reclassified as a Commercial Yacht (CM Y), and additional regulatory requirements will apply.

Furthermore, regulatory obligations increase with the size of the yacht, in accordance with international conventions. Yachts of 500 GT and above are subject to full compliance with mandatory maritime regulations.

  • Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs)
  • International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as amended by the 1978 Protocol (MARPOL Annex I)
  • Valid Certificate of Registry
  • Ship Radio Licence

These requirements apply to all vessels.

The COLREGs, often referred to as the “Rules of the Road,” establish the international legal framework for safe navigation and collision avoidance at sea.

Acronyms
  • Anti-Fouling Certificate (AFC)
  • Ballast Water Management (BWM)
  • Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
  • Bunker Oil Pollution Liability Certificate (2001 Convention)
  • International Tonnage Convention 1969 (ITC 69)
  • International Load Line Convention 1966 (LLC 66)
  • Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)
  • MARPOL Annex I – International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP)
  • MARPOL Annex IV – International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate (ISPP)
  • MARPOL Annex V – International Garbage Pollution Prevention Certificate (IGPP)
  • MARPOL Annex VI – International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP)
  • Recognised Organisation (RO)
  • SOLAS – Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate
  • SOLAS – Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate
  • SOLAS – Safety Management Document of Compliance (ISM DoC)
  • SOLAS – Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)
  • STCW – Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC)
  • Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (CSSEC)
  • Maritime Ship Registry

Yacht & Vessel Classification Terms:

  • Commercial Yacht (CMY)
  • Pleasure Yacht (PLY)
  • Less than (<)
  • Greater than (>)
  • National Tonnage Certificate (NTC)
  • Pleasure Vessel Safety Certificate (PVSC)**

Classification by a Recognised Organisation (RO) is not mandatory for yachts registered under Maritime; however, it is strongly recommended as a best practice.

Yachts exceeding 24 metres must undergo inspection and classification either by an appointed Surveyor or an approved RO, and must carry valid statutory certificates on board at all times. These Surveyors and ROs are authorised to conduct inspections throughout all stages of a yacht’s lifecycle, including construction, refit, and operational service.

Approved Recognised Organisations include:

  • American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

  • Bureau Veritas (BV)

  • Capital Register of Shipping (CRS)

  • China Classification Society (CCS)

  • DNV

  • Indian Register of Shipping (IR Class)

  • International Naval Surveys Bureau (INSB)

  • International Register of Shipping (IRS)

  • Isthmus Bureau of Shipping (IBS)

  • Korean Register of Shipping (KRS)

  • Lloyd’s Register (LR)

  • ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai)

  • Phoenix Register of Shipping (PHRS)

  • Polski Rejestr Statków (PRS)

  • Qualitas Register of Shipping (QRS)

  • Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)

  • Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS)

  • Türk Loydu (TL)

All yachts must comply with applicable international standards for safety, environmental protection, and construction as outlined under Maritime’s Merchant Shipping framework, aligned with international conventions. Failure to maintain valid Class status or statutory certification may result in detention by Port State Control or enforcement actions under applicable maritime legislation.

Given that each yacht differs in design and operation, specific technical requirements may vary. Accordingly, Recognised Organisations establish tailored standards for different vessel types. For further information, contact the relevant RO or Maritime.

All yachts are required to carry, as a minimum, a VHF radio, with VHF DSC strongly recommended. For detailed guidance on radio communication requirements, reference should be made to SOLAS Chapter IV (Radiocommunications). Additional operational requirements may be imposed by the Registry where deemed necessary.

Service provider registration process

Steps to Register

01

Review registration requirements

Download and review the applicable registration procedures and eligibility requirements relevant to the vessel type and intended registration.

02

Complete the required application forms

Prepare and complete the prescribed application forms together with all supporting documentation required for registration.

03

Submit documentation for review

Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Comoros Maritime Administration, an authorized maritime registrar, or an approved service provider for assessment and approval.