Compare Our Services

• Ownership requirements for the Cook Islands are easily met by joining the Cook Islands Yacht Squadron (CIYS).
• MCI’s network of Deputy Registrars and our Rarotonga-based maritime administration specialists promptly respond to client queries.
• Our team is dedicated to excellent customer service and operate in several time zones.
• Maritime documents are processed with quick turn-around time.
• A senior staff member is available to personally visit you, should this be required, wherever you may be.
• MCI's network of experienced master mariners and surveyors provides outstanding technical support.
• To ensure worldwide coverage, we have formalised agreements with class societies and this network continues to expand.
• Our vessel registration, documentation, and mortgage recording procedures are conducted in a way that is recognised by lending institutions and shipbuilders worldwide.
• Legal and technical assistance is available before, during and after the vessel is registered under the Cook Islands flag.
• We offer a full range of vessel registry services: radio station licensing, crew documents, vessel inspections, technical assistance and international representation. Cook Islands does not have, and does not plan to have, any special national requirements over and above the applicable IMO and international rules and regulations.

Compare Our Prices

• CIYS is priced competitively at only 150 USD per annum.
• Our registration prices are designed not just to be competitive, but to ensure that we can provide you with superior service at all times.
• Cook Islands maritime documents do not require expensive consular signatures.
• All fees are published and there are never any hidden charges.

Compare Cook Islands' Maritime and Business Corporations Laws

• Cook Islands has a stable government with a legal system based on English Common Law.
• Our national Maritime Legislation, including the Ship Registration Act 2007 and Maritime Transport Act 2008 reflects the most modern standards and is being constantly reviewed.
• The country has applied for full membership at the International Maritime Organization and is party to its main conventions.
• The Cook Islands Offshore Jurisdiction has been established for over 25 years and much of offshore legislation is the model on which other jurisdictions are based.
• Bareboat Chartering is allowed, both in and out.
• No requirements regarding nationality of crew.

About the Maritime Cook Islands (MCI)

Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) is the Corporate Administrator of the Cook Islands Ships Registry. We pride ourselves on being cost effective, customer-orientated and internationally compliant whilst ensuring the Cook Islands' name is held in the highest regard.

The regulatory environment surrounding shipping is dynamic and we are constantly seeking to offer the most proactive and reliable service to our customers.

The Cook Islands Ships Registry is located on Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands. This allows us to maintain a close relationship with relevant government departments in order to ensure their continued support for the most modern legislative and regulatory environment possible.

To better serve our customers in various areas and time zones, we have developed a reliable worldwide network of Deputy Registrars.

1. Visit Why Cook Islands? to see the benefits of choosing this respected flag.
2. View Maritime Legislation to download Cook Islands' modern ship registration legislation and Mortgage guidelines.

Learn more about Cook Islands at the IMO.

How do I register a Yacht? Download a pdf copy (49 KB).

Why Cook Islands for Yachts? Download a pdf copy (55 KB).

Ownership of Yacht to be Registered

Registration of a yacht upon the Cook Islands Ships Registry is governed by the Ship Registration Act 2007. The easiest and fastest way to fulfil ownership requirements is via the Cook Islands Yacht Squadron (CIYS). Follow the link for more information.

Requirements for Provisional Registration

The yacht registration process is commenced by completing an 'Application for Vessel Registration, Call Sign and Official Number' available through a Deputy Registrars. (specific to region), who will lead you through the process.

Agreement to join CIYS (checkbox on form) or application to register a Foreign Company or incorporate a Cook Islands International Company;

• Copy of Builder’s Certificate (new construction only) or Bill of Sale.
• Copy of confirmation (letter or email) from Classification society that they will issue certificates while vessel under Cook Islands Flag (if applicable).
• Copies of all vessel’s present certificates issued by flag state and classification society.
• Copy of schedule of interested shareholders (if applicable).
• Copy of Power of Attorney (if applicant is an authorised officer).

Subject to approval by the Registrar of Ships, and upon payment of the registration fee, a Provisional Certificate of Registry will be issued. This certificate is effective from the date of issue and valid for a period of 3 months. During this time the requirements for permanent registration are to be completed. The Registrar may extend the period of provisional registration in special circumstances.

Requirements for Permanent Registration

• Original Application Form (duly executed and witnessed as specified therein).
• If not joining CIYS, a certificate of incorporation of a new Cook Islands International company or a certificate of registration of an existing Foreign Company on the Cook Islands Companies Register.
• Original or duly validated* copy of Builder’s Certificate (new construction only) or Bill of Sale.
• Original or duly validated* copy of Deletion Certificate (from yacht’s previous Registry).
• Copy of certificate from ship’s P&I insurance company including crew insurance (only applicable to commercial/charter yachts).
• Copy of Confirmation (letter or email) from Radio Accounting Authority that they will agree to act as AA while ship under Cook Islands Flag (if applicable).
• Original or duly validated* schedule of interested shareholders (if applicable).

Original or duly validated* copy of Power of Attorney (if applicable).

Reviewed, signed and sealed by a Justice of the Peace, a Commissioner for Oaths, Solicitor, Notary Public or the Registrar or Deputy Registrar of Ships of the Cook Islands Ships Registry or before any person authorised by law to administer oaths in the country where the declaration is made.

N.B. The Registrar has the discretion to require, if deemed necessary, additional surveys to be conducted before issuance of a Permanent Certificate of Registry.