Shipping Registry

Malaysian Ship Registry was established pursuant to the provision under Part IIA of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 which provides for ship registration by Malaysian citizens or corporations incorporated in Malaysia. There are four (4) Ports of Registry: Penang, Port Klang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

Malaysian International Ship Registry

Apart from the Malaysian Ship Registry, there is also a Malaysian International Ship Registry which is based in Labuan. It was established pursuant to Part IIC of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, specifically for ships with a gross tonnage more than 1,600GRT, age of not less than 15 years and owned by foreign citizens or foreign corporations. The registration is regulated by the Malaysian Ship Registrar.

Langkawi International Yacht Registry (LIYR

LIYR set up specifically for the registration of yachts and recreational boats, was established in 2003 and based in Telaga Harbour Park, Pantai Kok, Langkawi. The international yacht registry regulated by the Marine Department of Malaysia. The LIYR offers various benefits similar to other international yacht registries, in terms of providing facilities and benefits for yacht owners. The registration is open to individuals, companies or yacht entities interested in registering their yachts in Langkawi, Malaysia. 

Terminable Certificate of Registry

Terminable Certificate of Registry is for the registration of boats/ships with less than 150 gross tonnage and with a length of not more than 24 metres. Ships may be registered at any Registration Port in any State in Malaysia, under the respective Regional Marine Department’s jurisdiction. As an example, boats/ships may register in Kuala Perlis, which is the Registration Port in the state of Perlis and under the jurisdiction of Marine Department Northern Region. The boats/ships will only be allowed to operate domestically, with the validity of the registration certificates not exceeding 5 years.

Boat Licensing

Under section 474 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, a Boat License may be granted to boats or cargo/ passenger vessels of not more than 500 gross tonnage that plies any port, river or location in Malaysia for commercial or business purposes, transportation of any individual other than for trade or business, and for sports, leisure or recreational activity. The licenses may only be granted to the boats own by Malaysian individuals or corporations. Licenses are processed at every Licensing Office, as gazetted under the Boat Rules 1953. As an example, the Port Dickson Licensing Office is for the state of Negeri Sembilan, and the Kota Kinabalu Licensing Office is for the state of Sabah. 

For further information, please visit the official website of the Marine Department of Malaysia at www.marine.gov.my atau or submit your questions via email to kpgr@marine.gov.my