The registration of ships in Cameroon is governed by the CEMAC MERCHANT SHIPPING CODE,last amended on August 22,2012.Vessel registration is an essential and necessary part of the use and operation of vessels in Cameroonian and International waters generally. It is therefore important to consider the process by which vessel registration and deregistration is carried out in Cameroon.
Any owner considering register its vessel in Cameroon must first deregister from its previous Flag,thus a deletion certificate is essential as it one of the requirements,also the ship owner must be able to proof that he/she owns the ship by providing a bill of sale.
Key Steps to Register a Vessel in Cameroon
Step 1: Submit Required Documentation
To begin the ship registration process in Cameroon, vessel owners must submit the necessary documents to the relevant maritime authorities.Our office can assist ship owners compile these documents. We advise ship owners to begin with a provisional registration of their vessel ,as must of the below listed documents might be waived at this stage allowing both the ship owners and lawyer to get all other documents ready.The documents for full registration typically includes:
- Proof of ownership or Bill of Sale
- Vessel specifications
- Tonnage Certificate (for older ships)
- Building Certificate (for new ships)
- Charter Party Agreement (if applicable)
- Copy of the Survey Report (RE Report)
- Mortgage clearance from the previous flag, if any
- Radiation Certificate from the former registry
- Compliance with safety regulations
Note that the above listed documents is for full registration of ships in Cameroon the documents required for provisional registration are few.
Step 2: Pay the Required Registration Fees
Upon approval of the submitted documents, applicants must pay statutory fees, calculated based on the vessel’s gross tonnage and intended use within Cameroonian waters.
Fee Breakdown by Gross Tonnage:Once the documentation and fees are complete, the vessel is officially registered and permitted to operate legally under the Cameroonian maritime flag.
Naturalization: Cameroonization of Ships
Cameroonization, also referred to as naturalization, is the process by which a vessel acquires Cameroonian nationality. This allows the ship to fly the Cameroonian flag and operate under national jurisdiction. For naturalization to be completed, the vessel must be removed from its previous registry.
Cameroonization Fees:
Additional Maritime Fees
Types of Maritime Navigation Recognized in Cameroon
Cameroon’s maritime laws recognize several categories of navigation, including:
Commercial Navigation: Transport of passengers and freight (includes international and national cabotage).
Servitude Navigation: Public service vessels, excluding military ships.
Fishing Navigation: For capture, breeding, and exploitation of marine resources.
Auxiliary Navigation: Piloting, towing, dredging, research, and related services.
Traffic Navigation: Maritime traffic connected to industrial or agricultural properties.
Pleasure Navigation: Recreational and private use of vessels.
Conclusion
Completing your ship registration in Cameroon is a vital legal step for vessel owners or operators to navigate or carry the Camerron flag. By complying with the CEMAC Merchant Shipping Code, you ensure your vessel is legally recognized and protected under Cameroonian law.
If you require help with Maritime documentation ,legal review,or contract negotiation for ship ownership and operation ,reach out to our maritime experts to assist you .
By Barrister FRU Shella
WHATSAPP:Cameroon +(237) 656 899 294
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