Port of Registry

The port or place recorded as a vessel’s official home of registration.

The port of registry forms part of the vessel’s registered identity and appears on its registration documentation. Depending on the flag state and type of registration, the name may also be marked on the stern together with the vessel’s registered name.

It does not necessarily indicate where the vessel is based, owned, operated or normally berthed. Marking and documentation requirements are set by the relevant registry and flag-state law, so they vary between jurisdictions and classes of vessel.