The Tanzania Zanzibar International Register of Shipping (TZIRS) is the international ship registry operating under the authority of the Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) TZIRS is responsible for the registration and oversight of ocean-going vessels flying the Tanzanian flag, delivering registry services within a clear statutory, regulatory, and governance framework

Vessel Registration

Permanent Certificate of Registry
Provisional Certificate of Registry
Bareboat Charter Certificate of Registry
Registration fees and tonnage taxes

Proudly redefining Africa's role in global shipping through integrity leadership and excellence

Hot Line Number:

+255 670 375 336

Email ID:

registration@tzirs.tz

Bareboat Charter Certificate of Registry

A bareboat charterer of a vessel presently registered under a foreign flag may, where permitted by the relevant foreign registry, apply for a Bareboat Charter Certificate of Registry with the Tanzania Zanzibar International Register of Shipping (TZIRS) for a period not exceeding five (5) years, subject to compliance with the applicable requirements and payment of the prescribed fees.

Issuance of a Bareboat Charter Certificate of Registry is conditional upon submission of the following documentation:

• A duly completed written application
• A certified true copy of the bareboat charter agreement in a form acceptable to the Registrar
• Documentary evidence of ownership and written consent of the registered owner
• Written consents from all holders of recorded mortgages, hypothecations, or similar encumbrances
• Written confirmation from the foreign registry authorising the bareboat charter registration, or satisfactory evidence that such consent is not required
• A certificate of ownership and encumbrances, transcript of registry, or equivalent official document issued by the foreign registry identifying all recorded liens and charges against the vessel

Bareboat Charter-Out of Tanzania-Zanzibar-Registered Vessels

A bareboat charterer of a vessel registered with TZIRS may, where permitted by the receiving foreign jurisdiction, register the vessel under another flag for the duration of the charter, subject to prior written consent from the Registrar.

Before any bareboat charter-out arrangement becomes effective, the Registry must be formally notified and all required approvals obtained.

Where the vessel is engaged in regulated activities, including specialised commercial or fishing operations, the relevant competent authorities must also be informed as required under applicable regulations.

Required Submissions Following Approval

Upon completion of the notification and approval process, the bareboat charterer shall submit the following documentation to the Registry:

• Certified copy of the bareboat charter agreement
• Written consent of the vessel owner
• Written consent from all recorded mortgagees or charge holders, where applicable
• Copy of the foreign registry certificate evidencing registration under the alternate flag
• Certified copy of the foreign registry documentation (to be submitted within the prescribed timeframe)
• Proof of payment of all applicable registry fees
• Updated contact, management, and emergency response details as required by the Registry

Compliance Obligations

All amendments, extensions, or termination of a bareboat charter arrangement must be promptly reported to TZIRS.

Failure to comply with notification or documentation requirements may result in administrative measures or financial penalties as prescribed under Registry regulations.

Application Procedure

Applications for Bareboat Charter Registration are processed through the Registry’s electronic application system to ensure efficient handling and review.

Upon completion of the online application, the authorised signatory or signatories must review, sign, and date the required documentation.

Electronic submission facilitates expedited preliminary processing; however, applicants may be required to submit original signed documents where mandated by Registry procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

The following vessel categories may be considered for registration or re-registration with TZIRS, subject to statutory requirements:

• Sea-going vessels engaged in international trade
• Yachts and pleasure vessels meeting applicable tonnage criteria
• Vessels operating under bareboat charter arrangements

Unless otherwise approved by the Registrar, vessels exceeding the prescribed age limitations may be subject to enhanced technical review and classification requirements.

In exceptional circumstances, the Registrar may grant discretionary approvals where it is demonstrated that:

• The vessel satisfies all safety and compliance standards; and
• The vessel maintains valid classification with a recognised classification society of acceptable standing

Ownership and eligibility requirements may, where permitted under governing regulations, be subject to discretionary consideration by the Registry.

For the purposes of registration, references to ownership entities may include natural persons as well as duly constituted corporations, partnerships, and legally recognised bodies.

Application Procedure

Applications for Bareboat Charter Registration are processed through the Registry’s electronic application system to ensure efficient handling and review.

Upon completion of the online application, the authorised signatory or signatories must review, sign, and date the required documentation.

Electronic submission facilitates expedited preliminary processing; however, applicants may be required to submit original signed documents where mandated by Registry procedures.

 

Eligibility Requirements

The following vessel categories may be considered for registration or re-registration with TZIRS, subject to statutory requirements:

• Sea-going vessels engaged in international trade
• Yachts and pleasure vessels meeting applicable tonnage criteria
• Vessels operating under bareboat charter arrangements

Unless otherwise approved by the Registrar, vessels exceeding the prescribed age limitations may be subject to enhanced technical review and classification requirements.

In exceptional circumstances, the Registrar may grant discretionary approvals where it is demonstrated that:

• The vessel satisfies all safety and compliance standards; and
• The vessel maintains valid classification with a recognised classification society of acceptable standing

Ownership and eligibility requirements may, where permitted under governing regulations, be subject to discretionary consideration by the Registry.

For the purposes of registration, references to ownership entities may include natural persons as well as duly constituted corporations, partnerships, and legally recognised bodies.