Tuvalu Yacht Registry offer COVID-19 relief scheme

In cooperation with the main Tuvalu Ship Registry office in Singapore, the Tuvalu Yacht Registry claims to have devised a simple, fast, and low cost scheme for yachts to dramatically reduce their costs and statutory date windows for surveys etc.

The scheme is open to all yachts of any flag and size, private or commercial.

It offers a fast registration service, and the yacht is immediately classified as ‘Laid Up’.

No surveys are required, and the yacht can remain in this classification for any period of time until this present situation improves.

The main benefit is that the clock stops on all the usual statutory requirements, including ISM, ISPS and MLC, as well as Classification Society survey windows.

“The minimum safe manning requirements would be dictated by the insurance provider, meaning the usual minimum number of crew would not be required,” says Jonathan Leach, Yacht Fleet Manager. “This releases crew to go home to their families if appropriate.

“The costs are low, with just the basic registration fee for a private yacht for one year (even if the yacht is commercial) together with a handling charge.

“When the yacht wants to leave the scheme, we can organise a phased in survey and certification plan so that they may get back to operations as quickly and easily as possible.

“The scheme would be administered through our UK office and the Royal Tuvalu Yacht Club, which is operating seven days a week.”