Recording Documents

The recording of title deeds, mortgages, liens or encumbrances or any other assignments relating to any registered vessel is governed by the Merchant Shipping Act and may be requested through any Designated Office.  Recording of documents may be either 

• Preliminary recording  
• Permanent recording 

The preliminary recording of documents may be effected either by the Head Office or by any of the Designated Offices on the basis of electronic copies of documents submitted to the Head Office for the records entry. 

The preliminary recording of documents is valid for six calendar months and has the same legal effect as a permanent recording.  If the permanent recording is not accomplished prior to the expiration of this period, the preliminary recording will lapse. 

The permanent recording of documents may be requested at any time within the six months validity of the preliminary recording or immediately if all necessary documents are available.