Registration Services

Vessel registration is the process of officially recording a vessel with the relevant maritime board or IWT department or equivalent authority. When a vessel is registered, it is assigned a "flag" of the country, which means the vessel is considered a part of that nation for legal and operational purposes. Registration is a formal process that includes submitting required documentation, ensuring the vessel meets safety and environmental standards, and paying necessary fees.

1. Purpose of Vessel Registration:

• Legal Identity: It establishes the vessel's identity and nationality, which is crucial for trade, maritime law, and insurance.
• Compliance: It ensures compliance with the country's laws, including safety standards, environmental regulations, and labour laws.
• Protection: It offers certain protections to the vessel owner, such as the ability to claim in case of disputes or issues.

2. Types of Vessel Registration:

• New Vessel Registration: The vessel after construction in shipyard is registered with the appropriate registering authority ie maritime boards or IWT department or equivalent authority.
• Registration for addition and alterations: If an alteration or modification which affects the strength, stability or safety of the vessel has been undertaken on a registered vessel, the vessel shall be re-registered with the modification done.
• Transfer of Registry: If the owner of an inland mechanically propelled vessel ceases to reside or carry on business at the address recorded in the certificate of registration of the vessel, he shall, intimate his new address to the registering authority by which the certificate of registration was granted, or if the new address is within the jurisdiction of another registering authority within the same State, to that registering authority, and shall at the same time forward the certificate of registration to the registering authority in order that the new address may be entered.
• Transfer of Vessel: If a vessel is transferred to any person, whether resident within the State or not, the transferor and the transferee shall make joint report of the transfer to the registering authority within whose jurisdiction the transferee resides or carries on business within thirty days of such transfer along with a challan or deposit receipt evidencing payment of fees as prescribed by the State Government for such transfer.

3. Requirements for Registration:

• Proof of Ownership: The vessel owner must submit documentation proving ownership.
• Technical Specifications: The vessel must pass inspections to meet the safety and environmental standards set by the country's maritime authority.
• Payment of Fees: Fees and taxes are typically associated with the registration process.
• Tonnage Certificate: A certificate that verifies the vessel's tonnage and size.
• Official Name and number: The vessel must have a unique name and number, which will be part of its official identification.

A vessel survey is a thorough inspection and assessment process carried out on a vessel or boat to evaluate its physical condition, operational performance, equipment, and compliance with safety and legal standards. This process is performed by qualified marine surveyors or classification societies and includes examination of the vessel's structure, machinery, safety gear, navigation systems, and, if applicable, cargo.

1. Vessel Survey Purposes:

• Ensures vessel safety, seaworthiness, and fitness for operation.
• Confirms compliance with international conventions and regulations, such as SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea).
• Helps in planning for repairs, insurance, buying or selling, and keeping the vessel "in class" with regulatory authorities.

2. Types of Vessel Surveys:

• Initial Survey: Comprehensive inspection before a vessel enters service to ensure all systems and equipment meet legal requirements.
• Annual Survey: Yearly check to confirm the vessel's continued compliance and service fitness.
• Intermediate Survey: Carried out between scheduled surveys for ongoing compliance, often focusing on safety equipment and structural elements.
• Renewal/Periodic Survey: More detailed, usually every five years, for structural integrity and recertification.
• Special or Condition Survey: Conducted after incidents, significant repairs, or for older vessels to confirm their continued safety and compliance.

The crew of a vessel consists of a team of skilled professionals responsible for the safe, efficient, and smooth operation of the vessel, management of its cargo, and welfare of passengers and crew members.

1. Vessel Crew Hierarchy:

• The Master is the highest-ranking officer, responsible for overall command, navigation, safety, compliance with maritime law, and decision-making in emergencies.
• Master Class II / III support the Master, manage the deck crew and cargo operations, maintain safety equipment, and supervise compliance with safety regulations.
• Master Class II / III handle navigation, ensure safety equipment is in good order, stand watch, and assist with cargo operations.
• Engineers maintain and operate the vessel's engines, power systems, and mechanical / electrical equipment, ensuring everything works efficiently and safely.
• IV engineer /Engine Driver Class I is in charge of engineering work, machinery maintenance, and supplies, supported by Engine Driver Class II and GP Rating.
• The GP Rating help with cleaning, cargo handling, mooring/unmooring, and general maintenance.
• Additional crew such as cooks, provide essential support for living and welfare onboard.

2. Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Navigation: Steering the vessel, plotting courses, and tracking weather and river conditions.
• Safety: Conducting safety drills, maintaining, and inspecting life-saving and firefighting equipment, and ensuring crew readiness in emergencies.
• Cargo Handling: Supervising loading/unloading, securing cargo, and maintaining cargo records.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regular inspection and repair of machinery, engines, and structural components.
• Housekeeping: Maintaining cleanliness and orderliness throughout the vessel.
• Communication: Reporting to shore authorities, coordinating with port personnel, and managing vessel's documentation.
• Welfare: Providing meals, medical care, and other support for the crew's well-being.

Each member's contribution is vital to the vessel's safe operation, regulatory compliance, and efficient performance at river / sea.