Picture a Flag State cresting the horizon: The Commonwealth of Dominica flag. . . "The Flag of Responsibility"!

Efficient. Dedicated. Savvy. DMRI's streamlined, forward-thinking operation guarantees that the registry provides value and service to shipowners far exceeding that of other registries. Our timely service is that which is unparalleled in the industry today.

With quality as our hallmark, DMRI brings to the table a Quality Management Advisory Board of internationally renowned marine safety and pollution prevention advocates to ensure not just optimum compliance with existing regulations, but proactive design and implementation of corporate standards for excellence. Drawing on our global network of experts, we provide shipowners with information on IMO developments that permits them to provide input on the development of positions related to international marine safety and operational issues.

Top-caliber ship owners recognize the substantial cost savings and service benefits of superior standards, and know the value of operating in a manner that port state control officers not only accept, but commend. We work closely with owners to help them meet their obligations to the Commonwealth of Dominica and the requirements of the international maritime community.

Our requirements include a provision that owners must certify that they will be responsible for their vessels and their crews, so they will not be abandoned to others in the event of problems. And we strive to ensure that each Dominica-registered ship meets or exceeds the safety standards designed to prevent those problems. Because DMRI operates the registry on an exclusive basis and will not engage in registry activity on behalf of any other government, DMRI and its registrants build on a mutual commitment to service, efficiency, and value-now and for the future.

Of course, manning, in the near term and long term, remains a growing problem for ship owners. DRMI works to assist these organizations in meeting their manning needs as well. To this end, DMRI is working with the Commonwealth of Dominica to establish a world-class regional maritime training institute. The Caribbean World Maritime Institute's purpose is twofold: to meet the needs of mariners in the Caribbean region and beyond and to supply quality mariners to the international shipping community as a whole.

Together, we can change the nature of international shipping registry.

The International Maritime Act of 2000 governs the shipping industry in Dominica. Dominica Maritime Registry Inc. (DMRI),which operates exclusively as "The Flag of Responsibility.TM," is accountable to the Dominica Maritime Administration, which is the enforcement agency for all matters concerning seaworthiness, safety, and seafarer qualification. Legally bound to make the Dominica shipping registry its sole mission, DMRI is uniquely dedicated to its registrants. DMRI's senior management have more than 100 years' combined experience in writing and enforcing international shipping regulations. Its board of quality management advisors-comprising a roster of internationally recognized marine safety and pollution prevention advocates-plays an active daily role in ensuring the Dominica fleet takes proactive, cost-effective compliance measures. Their representation of Dominica registrants at international conventions such as the United Nations International Maritime Organization ensures advocacy of unparalleled influence and stature. The registry employs advanced communication technology to solicit input and provide timely notice of current, pending, and revised regulatory requirements. Affiliation with distance learning and training programs and plans to establish the Caribbean World Maritime Institute for crew education and training are evidence of further commitment to superior marine safety and pollution prevention standards.

Shipowner Eligibility
Vessels must be owned by a Dominica corporation, partnership, or citizen or national. International owners are eligible to register as Foreign Maritime Entities, which requires each vessel to register at least one corporation under the International Business Companies Act of 1988.

In keeping with its mission as "The Flag of Responsibility," Dominica requires applicants to "honor the mariner" by demonstrating the financial capability to sustain their vessels and crews in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Company Formation
Company formation can be obtained in 24 hours under the International Business Companies Act of 1988 for international business companies (IBCs). All companies are required to have at least one director. Annual meetings need not be held in Dominica. There are no nationality or domicile restrictions for directors. To form an IBC, only one shareholder is required and there is no minimum capital requirement. Corporations may act as shareholders. Incorporation is handled through Offshore Corporate Registry Inc. Dominica requires no capital minimum or annual returns. Incorporation can be completed electronically via www.offshore-registry.com, by fax, or by traditional means. To incorporate a Dominica company, you must provide the following information: corporation name, share capital, and number of initial directors; directors need not be listed by name, nor must the company state a specific purpose of incorporation. Each nonresident domestic corporation must have a registered agent and address in Dominica, available via the International Trust of Dominica. Companies can hold annual directors meetings anywhere in the world, and officers, owners, and directors' names need not be disclosed. Payment of an annual fee ensures the corporation remains a company in good standing.

A company formed under another jurisdiction may be registered as a Foreign Maritime Entity in Dominica for the purpose of registering its vessels under the Dominica flag. These entities must comply with the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are formed.

Taxation
Dominica does not levy taxes on the income or assets of its corporations or on Foreign Maritime Entities flying its flag and conducting no other business in Dominica. Annual maintenance fees, payable to DMRI in United States dollars, are assessed on the anniversary of incorporation. There is no tonnage tax.

Registration and Documentation
Companies may register with the DMRI office in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA. Service is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Senior DMRI officials are available for consultation Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. U.S. eastern standard time. DMRI recommends submission of facsimile documentation and notarizations for examination one day prior to registration to ensure prompt approval.

Vessels are registered by submission at the Fairhaven Main Office or at other satellite registration offices (contact the Fairhaven, MA, office for more information). The following documents must be submitted in triplicate:

Application document (available on-line or by request)
Proof of ownership (Bill of Sale for existing vessels; Builder's Certificate or Master Carpenter's Certificate for new buildings)
Confirmation of Class Certificate for existing vessels or a Certificate of Seaworthiness or Interim Certificate of Class for new buildings dated within 10 days of registration.
Consent to transfer from existing registry if appropriate
Proof that vessel is free of recorded liens
Proof of liability insurance provided by a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs
Oath of Owner (for noncorporate owners)
Secretary's Certificate listing Power of Attorney
Registration fees (see Fees)

To ensure a smooth transition, DMRI accepts facsimile submissions provided the sender submits original documents within five business days. Once the above information is in hand, DMRI issues a Provisional Certificate of Registry (valid for three months) and Temporary Radio Authority (valid for three months).

Permanent Certificates of Registry are issued once DMRI has received and processed the following documentation:

Certified copies of Certificates of Classification
Commonwealth of Dominica Certificate of Tonnage Measurement and owner's acceptance
Commonwealth of Dominica Load Lines, Marpol, and SOLAS certificates
Corporate or Foreign Maritime Entity certificates
DMRI safety inspection report
Commonwealth of Dominica Ship Radio Station License
Certificate of Cancellation from previous registry
Civil Liability Certificate for Oil Pollution Damage (as necessary)
Relevant name change certificates (e.g., Affirmation of Markings)
Commonwealth of Dominica Provisional Certificate of Registry

Vessels can have as their "home port" either Roseau or Portsmouth.

Bareboat Charter Registration
Foreign vessels may be bareboat charter registered, flying the Dominica flag and following Dominica law with regard to operations.

Fishing Vessel and Yacht Registration
Dominica provides registry services for fishing vessels and yachts. Dominica requires fishing vessels to comply with the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels (SFV '77) and international fishing conservation treaties, and to carry GMDSS transponders to help reduce enforcement boardings.

Vessel Eligibility and Survey Requirements
At the time of registration, a vessel must be classed with one of the following classification societies (or others upon approval):

American Bureau of Shipping
Bureau Veritas
Cyprus Bureau of Shipping
Det Norske Veritas
Germanischer Lloyd
Indian Register of Shipping
Korean Register of Shipping
Lloyd's Register of Shipping
Nippon Kaiji Kyokai
Polish Register of Shipping
Russian Maritime Registry of Shipping

Crewing
DMRI prides itself on superior crew management and related services. In keeping with its mission as the Flag of Responsibility, DMRI maintains crewing standards that exceed ILO and STCW '95 and other IMO regulations. License and insurance are tracked electronically to ensure ongoing compliance. Manning certificates are issued by the Dominica Maritime Administrator, and application for manning specifications must be made at the time of application for transfer to DMRI. STCW-certified maritime education and training programs will be available to registrants at the Caribbean World Maritime Institute beginning in 2002.

A true "Flag of Responsibility" depends entirely on a fully trained, competent, responsible maritime staff. All seafarers must demonstrate compliance with the high standards of STCW. Crew nationality is unrestricted.

Mortgages
Mortgages are recognized by the international banking community. Expeditious and accurate mortgage service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure timely, uninterrupted operations.

Fees
Initial registration and annual maintenance fees are payable to DMRI. Fees must be paid in United States dollars by wire transfer or a check drawn on a bank or branch thereof located in the United States.

The Commonwealth of Dominica promises competitive, straightforward rates, with no hidden costs. A fee schedule, quoted in United States dollars, is available on our Fees webpage

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