The main changes introduced by Circular 14/2009 are as follows:

• The requirement regarding management of vessels is now satisfied if a vessel is operated by a shipmanagement company having its principal place of business in the EU, which is certificated for compliance with the ISM Code. Previously  the shipmanagement company was required to have its place of business in Cyprus;
• The age limit for cargo vessels, small passenger vessels and coastal passenger vessels has been increased from 23 years to 25 years; and
• Two new categories of vessel have been introduced, namely “Pleasure Craft” and “Ships Engaged in Activities not Previously Mentioned and Non Self-Propelled Vessels”. 

In summary, the following categories of vessels are eligible for registration:

• Cargo vessels;
•  Tug boats;
• Passenger vessels;
• Fishing vessels;
• Coastal/small passenger vessels and landing craft;
• Dynamically supported craft;
• Pleasure craft; and
• Ships engaged in activities not previously mentioned and non self-propelled vessels which includes offshore supply vessels, floating cranes, dredgers, barges, launches, support craft, research ships, tugboats, Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, and similar vessels.

 In addition, the list of documents required when applying for permanent registration of a vessel has been expanded to include:

• an International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate (ISPP);
• an International Anti-fouling System Certificate (IAFS); and
• an International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP).

For vessels whose keel was laid before 1 October 1994, a confirmation is also required from the classification society that the ship is free from halon.

For further information contact Panayiotis Neocleous, Costas Stamatiou or any other member of our shipping department.