The Isle of Man Shipping Register is an International British Register with origins dating back to 1786. In 1984, the Island's Marine Administration was established, following which major International Conventions were extended to the Isle of Man. The registration of ships is legalised by the Isle of Man's Merchant Shipping Registration Act 1991. Manx registered ships are British ships, under the separate jurisdiction of the Isle of Man Marine Administration. Manx ships must have a prescribed close connection with the Island through either local ownership or management, and be classed with one of the major classification societies. The Isle of Man is a full Maritime Convention country and, in addition to the principal International Maritime Organisation Conventions, relevant Conventions of the International Labour Organisation affecting seafarers have been extended to the Isle of Man. The operation of the Isle of Man Government's Shipping Register forms part of the Island's total shipping industry. This industry also includes ship management and ship owning companies and numerous shipping related service providers, such as: Marine Lawyers, Accountants, Banks, Captive Insurance Companies, and P&I Clubs.

Marine Administration


The Isle of Man Government's Marine Administration has responsibility for the implementation of the Island's maritime policy. It has responsibility for operating the Isle of Man Shipping Register and ensures that ships comply with the highest standards and are in accordance with the requirements of international conventions and national regulations. In addition to the regulatory role, the Marine Administration is responsible for the Government's non statutory function of marketing the Isle of Man in Shipping matters, which includes the promotion of further growth and the establishment of ship owning and ship management companies on the Isle of Man. The Marine Administration's concise role is therefore to promote the Island's shipping industry, whilst fully ensuring that all regulatory requirements are complied with.








The Register


The Isle of Man Shipping Register is comprised of the following four distinct PARTS:
Part 1: This contains the Main Register being a title register where mortgages can be recorded.
Part 2: Small ships register.
Part 3: Fishing vessels register.
Part 4: Demise (Bare-boat) Charter Register for Merchant Ships.

The Register has grown and developed steadily since 1984, as has the Marine Administration which has focussed on providing and maintaining a high quality of service which attracts shipping business inward. The last 12 months has seen a continued expansion of the Manx Register both in merchant ships and yachts. The number of merchant ships increased by 11.49%, representing a growth in tonnage terms of 15.57%. Manx flagged ships operate all over the world and the fleet has achieved an exceptional reputation for high standards reflecting a valuable image for the Island as a whole.


For further information please visit:

Isle of Man Marine Administration

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