What is the procedure for registration of a ship?

flowchart TD
    A[Application to Registrar\nownership docs, builder's cert] --> B[Survey & Tonnage Measurement]
    B --> C[Marking: name, port, official number, load line, draught marks]
    C --> D[Name Approval]
    D --> E[Declaration of Ownership]
    E --> F[Entry in Register]
    F --> G[Grant Certificate of Registration]
    B -.->|abroad| H[Provisional Certificate s.19]
    F -.->|delay| I[Central Govt fallback s.21]

• Purpose: registration gives a ship nationality, flag and identity
• International basis: UNCLOS Article 91 (nationality, genuine link) and Article 94 (flag State duties)
• Indian law: Merchant Shipping Act 2025
• Authority: Registrar of Indian ships at port of registry
• Key records: Certificate of Registration, Tonnage Certificate
• Steps: application with ownership docs → survey and tonnage measurement → marking (name, port, official number, load line, draught marks) → name approval → declaration of ownership → entry in register → grant Certificate of Registration
• Provisional certificate: s.19 for ships abroad when full registration cannot be completed
• Central government fallback: s.21 if certificate not granted within specified period
• Certificate custody: s.22 — must remain with person in charge, used only for lawful navigation
• Security restriction: s.23 — prohibits transfer/acquisition during threats to India’s security without permission