Vanuatu is a member of the United Nations, the British Commonwealth and has privileged economic and commercial relationships within the French African, Caribbean and Pacific nations (Lome Convention). Its shipping registry is, however, independent and open to owners of any nationality. Officers and crew may be of any nationality provided they are competent and qualified. Vessels flying the Vanuatu flag have received friendly reception in all world ports.

The Republic of Vanuatu's ship registry offers the full advantages of the international open registry system, combined with the significant additional advantages of low rates and efficient service.

With day-to-day operations out of New York City, Vanuatu's shipping registry employs accepted, established procedures protecting owners, banks and the general public. Vanuatu Maritime Services Limited (VMSL) handles all details of the registry, maintaining control and continuity in vessel documentation, mortgage recording, and crew certification and licensing.

Recognizing that shipping is an international business, Vanuatu has established a network of Deputy Commissioners and Special Agents in major ports around the world, including Hong Kong, Yokohama, Singapore, London, Oslo, Athens, Sharjah and others. Deputy Commissioners and Special Agents have been chosen for their experience in shipping and maritime law and are there to assist the shipowner with all the details of ship registration.

The Maritime Act and Regulations are based on those of the United States and, as a result, are well-known and understood throughout the legal and shipping communities. In fact, the Maritime Act and Regulations enjoy widespread familiarity and provide solid protection to shipowners, mortgagees and banks.

The Government of Vanuatu has a strong commitment to the integrity and development of the ship registry and Financial Center. In 1981 the Maritime Act, Cap. 131, and the Maritime Regulations, were enacted by Parliament establishing the registry. Since then several amendments have been adopted which permitted Bareboat Charter Registration (Dual Registration); waiver of foreign documentation under certain circumstances at the time of registration; paperwork reduction; and flexibility in the types of mortgages that can be recorded. In addition, oil and mineral service vessels and fishing vessels were given special consideration.

The Government of Vanuatu and VMSL are concerned with maintaining high standards of safety for the Vanuatu fleet. To this end, the Government has adopted many IMO Conventions and has given some ILO Conventions the effect of law through the enactment of the Maritime Regulations. Excellence in vessel maintenance and safety is given the highest priority. To maintain high crew and officer standards Vanuatu has acceded to, and complies with, the 1978 STCW Convention, and will fully comply with the requirements of the 1995 amendments thereto, as those amendments enter into effect.