Registration of Yachts or Recreational Boats

Your boat or yacht in the Philippines must be registered somewhere if the boat is longer than 14-foot.

You can register a Yacht or Recreational Boat in the Philippines with the Maritime Industry Authority (“MARINA”) or, you can register the yacht in a number of other countries without the need for the boat to be physically in that country.

Register Yachts and Recreational Boats in The Philippines

Registering your Yacht or Recreational Boat in the Philippines should be accomplished at the MARINA office closest to where the yacht is usually located or, at the MARINA office closest to your place of residence. The process is straightforward if you have all of the necessary documents at hand.

Primary Documents Required for Registration:

details of the boat / yacht and engine(s) if equipped
photographs of the boat / yacht (F R P S)
"sketch" or detailed drawing of the boat / yacht
proof of ownership
proof of de-registration from previous location or,
construction certificate if manufacturered in the Philippines

Need help with registration? We can assist you in preparing the documentation and, depending on your nearest MARINA office, we can handle the entire process on your behalf.

Register Yachts and Recreational Boats Overseas

You can register the Yacht or Recreational Boat overseas in many countries. The most popular overseas registration options are:

in your own country
Langkawi International Yacht Registry (LIYR)
Cook Islands
Poland

The decision as to where to register a Yacht or Recreational Boat is usually made based on the cost and ease of completion. In most cases we can solve the ease of completion challenge but you must decide on the cost.

Questions about Registering Yachts and Recreational Boats

If I register my Yacht or Recreational Boat overseas are there any restrictions when sailing in the Philippines?

Under the current regulations a "visiting" yacht or Recreational boat can enter the Philippines and remain in the country forever, without restrictions, provided it is at all times registered somewhere. You should, however, at all times have a copy of the yacht registration, proof of ownership and a current crew list aboard because Philippine Coast Guard have the right to stop a yacht and request such documentation.

If I register my Yacht or Recreational Boat in the Philippines are there any restrictions when sailing outside the country?

No. If your Yacht or Recreational Boat is registered in the Philippines then you can voyage anywhere because Philippine registration is the same as registration in any other internationally recognized country, you must of course observe any rules applicable for "visiting" Yachts and Recreational Boats in the foreign country, e.g. some countries have a limit on the number of days and some require you to obtain a vistor permit.

If I register in the Philippines when should I expect to renew the registration?

If you register in the Philippines then the registration is good for a period of five years.

I have heard that Delaware, USA, is a good place to register, is this true?

Previously Delaware, USA, was a simple option for registration and can be accomplished online at low cost but, as of December 2023, there is an additional requirement that the Yacht or Recreational Boat must be resident in Delaware for at least six months in a year, so this is not suitable for most yachts if spending most of its time in the Philippines.

If I want to rent or charter my Yacht or Recreational Boat is this legal?

If your Yacht or Recreational Boat is registered outside of the Philippines then you cannot legally rent or charter it in the Philippines. If registered in the Philippines then you must apply for a permit for Commercial use if you want to rent or charter it. If your Yacht or Recreational Boat is registered for "Private Use" then you cannot legally rent or charter it.

Can I Talk to Someone About Registration?

Yes. You can call us at 0916 594-0540 or, send us an email info@philippineyachtcharter.com, we have most of the answers.