Overview
Industry: Maritime
Job Title: Registrar
Department: Vessel Registry
Employment Type: Full Time
Role Summary
The Registrar is responsible for the management and delivery of the vessel registration functions of the VISMA’s Ship Registry. The role oversees vessel registrations and associated transactions, ensuring applications and supporting documentation are properly assessed, transactions are completed accurately and efficiently, and vessels registered on VISMA’s registry comply with applicable BVI legislation, flag State requirements, maritime regulations and international conventions.
The Registrar will apply sound regulatory judgement in reviewing registration documentation, particularly matters relating to ownership, title, transfers and mortgages, while providing effective service to clients and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the registration, transfer, renewal and closure of vessels on the Virgin Islands Registers.
- Review and process documentation relating to ownership, title, bills of sale, mortgages, transfers and other Registry transactions, ensuring legal and regulatory requirements are met.
- Act as an authorised signatory to the Register and approve changes in accordance with delegated authority and established procedures.
- Ensure the Register and supporting vessel records are accurate, current, secure and properly maintained.
- Ensure vessels and registration activities comply with applicable BVI legislation, flag State requirements, IMO conventions, AML/ATF, KYC, sanctions and other regulatory requirements.
- Provide guidance to ship owners, operators, agents, legal representatives, surveyors and other stakeholders on Registry requirements and procedures.
- Maintain and improve Registry procedures, guidelines and controls in accordance with ISO 9001, QMS standards
- Supervise, allocate and review the work of Registry staff, ensuring quality, efficiency, accountability and timely service delivery.
- Monitor developments in ship registration, maritime regulation and international industry practice and implement appropriate changes to Registry processes and services.
- Prepare Registry reports, statistics and management information regulatory advice to the Managing Director.
- Represent and promote VISMA’s Ship Registry at appropriate maritime industry events and stakeholder engagements.
- Perform other duties relevant to the role as assigned by the Managing Director.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Maritime Studies, Shipping, Business Administration, Commerce, Public Administration or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- A professional qualification in law, maritime administration, shipping, compliance or a related field will be an advantage.
- 5–7 years’ relevant experience in ship registration, maritime administration, shipping, regulatory compliance, legal services or a related environment, including supervisory or senior-level experience.
- Knowledge of maritime legislation and regulatory framework
Key Competencies
- Sound judgement and ability to interpret legal and registration documentation
- Strong leadership, supervisory and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills
- High level of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism
- Client Relationship management
- Ability to adapt to changing legislation, technology and international maritime requirements
Working Conditions
The role is primarily office-based, with occasional international travel to represent VISMA at Maritime events, meetings, forums etc. Due to the international nature of ship registration, flexibility may occasionally be required to accommodate time-sensitive transactions across different jurisdictions and time zones.
Apply today, by sending your résumé and cover letter to careers@bvimaritime.vg
Deadline for applications: September 21, 2026.
Only suitable applicants will be acknowledged.