In 2006, Antigua and Barbuda enacted a new consolidated and revised Merchant Shipping Act, which further expanded the facilities of its offshore centre. The designated port of registry and principal office is in St John's, Antigua. The Director of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping has general supervision of the Antigua and Barbuda Merchant Shipping Act and the International Shipping Register of Antigua & Barbuda (www.antiguamarine.com).

The procedures for ship registration or parallel (bareboat) registration are efficient. With the submission of required documentation, the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping provides quick response. The registration fees are competitive with other jurisdictions and are transparent, with no hidden costs.

The Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping has further embarked on a sustained marketing and promotional drive to attract yachts and pleasure vessels of all sizes to its Registry. In order to ensure that sound safety and security standards are maintained, the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping has adopted the United Kingdom’s Maritime and Coastguard Authority Code of Conduct for Yachts. The registration of yachts and pleasure vessels can be organized through NMSL.

Pursuant to the Antigua and Barbuda Merchant Shipping Act of 2006, a ship or a yacht must be owned wholly by persons to whom one of the following descriptions applies i. Citizen of Antigua and Barbuda; ii. Public Bodies of Antigua and Barbuda; iii. An external company registered under the Companies Act, 1995; iv. Authorised public bodies corporate. This corporate body should be one that: (a).Is established under and subject to the laws of Antigua and Barbuda; (b). Has its principal place of business in Antigua and Barbuda; (c). At least fifty-one percent of its share capital is held by citizens of Antigua and Barbuda. v. A corporation registered under the International Business Corporations (IBC) Act as qualification for permanent registration of Antigua and Barbuda ships or yachts.

Thus prior to registration of a ship or yacht under the Antigua and Barbuda Flag, foreign ship or yacht owners must incorporate an International Business Corporation (IBC) or effect the registration of an external company under the Companies Act, 1995, which is then deemed to own the ship or yacht for inclusion on the Register. NMSL provide these services.
To assist in the incorporation of your International Business Corporation for ship or yacht registration purpose kindly download the Application Form for the Incorporation of an IBC under the International Business Corporations Act of 1982 for Ship & Yacht Registration, complete form and submit to NMSL.