Switzerland Yacht Registration Summary
Switzerland yacht registration summary is a free information resource designed to
inform the boating public about vessel registry requirements, recording methods, and title
search guidelines for the Swiss Confederation. The data is maintained as an
open wiki forum where readers are encouraged to participate by sharing knowledge and experiences
with this particular country. Simply click on the "Wiki-Share" link to contribute further details or suggest a revision.
This information is subject to change and should be confirmed with the respective agency.
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Swiss
Maritime Navigation Office
Website
Registry Overview
There are over 1,500 yachts sailing internationally under the Swiss flag which is testament to the
prestige, neutrality and universal acceptance of the this registry throughout the world.
The Swiss Maritime Navigation Office (SMNO) is
part of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and keeps a register of all Swiss sea-going yachts and small craft.
Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country at the confluence of Western, Central and Southern
Europe. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern. Switzerland has four national languages: mainly German,
French, Italian, and Romansh.
Registration Office
The Swiss Maritime Navigation Authority is headquartered in Bern
and handles all aspects of the vessel registry.
Registration Requirements
The SMNO registers pleasure yachts up to 24 meters in registered
length that are based and operated anywhere in the world.
The owner of a Swiss flagged yacht must be a Swiss citizen. Dual citizens
cannot register a yacht if they reside in a country of their other nationality. An association
constituted under Swiss law for the purpose of promoting sports and pleasure
boating may register as the owner of a yacht. Basically, the registry only accepts vessels that are owned by their own nationals or companies operating within its borders.
Recording Methods
The files of recorded mortgages are kept by the Swiss vessel
registrar. They show the amount of the mortgage, whether it is a maximum mortgage, the names of the debtors, the creditors, and identify which claims
are secured.
Registration Search
Transcripts of registry showing ownership, mortgages, and
vessel particulars are available from the Swiss registrar of vessels or a private registry service company.
