Introduction
This Regulation aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing the registration and regulation of maritime vessels in Somalia. Specifically, it seeks to: (a) define the procedures and substantive requirements applicable to the registration of maritime vessels; (b) regulate and formalize the registration of domestic vessels operating within the national territory; (c) prescribe the conditions, obligations, and administrative procedures governing the allocation and management of vessel flag registration; and (d) develop a robust regulatory system to prevent the fraudulent use of the Somali flag, while establishing a centralized national database for maritime vessels in compliance with applicable domestic legislation and relevant international maritime standards as per the article 2 of the regulation.
This Regulation is enacted pursuant to Articles 38–50 of the Somali Maritime Law (Law No. 5 of 1989), which provide the statutory basis for vessel registration, flag administration, and maritime regulatory oversight.
Requirements for the Registration of Maritime Vessels
Article 5 sets out the substantive and procedural requirements governing the registration of maritime vessels under the Somali flag. Any person seeking to register a vessel is required to submit a formal application to the competent authority, accompanied by the prescribed application form issued by the Ministry and proof of payment of the applicable registration fee. Applicants must also provide valid official identification, such as a passport or national identity card, to establish legal capacity and identity.
In addition to the application materials, the regulatory framework requires the submission of specific documentary evidence to verify the legal and technical status of the vessel. These include proof of ownership, a certificate of prior registration where the vessel has previously been registered in another State, and documentary confirmation that the vessel has been deleted from its former registry in cases involving a change of flag. Where the vessel is newly constructed, a builder’s certificate must be provided, together with a tonnage certificate and valid safety and insurance certificates. Collectively, these requirements are intended to ensure legal certainty in vessel ownership, prevent dual registration, and align Somalia’s vessel registration regime with internationally accepted maritime safety and flag State standards.
However, the Maritime Vessel Registration Regulations, 2025 establish a coherent legal and administrative framework for the registration and regulation of vessels under the Somali flag. By clearly defining objectives, scope, and registration requirements, the Regulations seek to enhance legal certainty, prevent fraudulent flag use, and ensure transparency in vessel ownership and operation. The emphasis on documentary verification, deletion from prior registries, and compliance with safety and insurance standards reflects an effort to align Somalia’s maritime governance with internationally accepted norms.
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