Transfer ownership
Transfer ownership
What do I need to do?
To transfer the ownership of your ship, you need to:
- Get a bill of sale from the seller
You will need a bill of sale as proof of the transfer of ownership of the vessel to you as the new owner. The bill of sale must be completed by the registered owner of the vessel.
The bill of sale must include:
- Name and official number of the ship.
- Nature and extent of the interest in the ship to which the bill of sale relates (how many shares are being transferred).
- Name and address of each seller (transferor) and buyer (transferee).
The bill of sale must be in a format compliant with the Shipping Registration Regulations 1981.
- Get the original registration certificate
The original registration certificate must be returned to the Shipping Registration Office for the transfer of ownership to be completed.
If the original registration certificate has been lost, you can apply for a replacement certificate. The fee for a new certificate is $222. Read more about how to replace your registration certificate.
- Complete the forms
Each vessel on the Australian General Shipping Register must have a Registered Agent. The agent is the person responsible for the day to day management of the vessel. This can be the owner.
- Pay the transfer fee
Before you send us your application, pay the fee online.
Record your payment reference number in the ‘Submitting your application’ section on your application form.
- Lodge your documents
Send the original completed forms with the original bill of sale and original registration certificate to:
Shipping Registration Office
PO Box 255
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
- Wait for us to let you know
We will let you know if we need additional information. If not, the transfer of ownership will be finalised and we will post your new registration certificate to you.