What is the purpose of ship registration?

Question

What is the purpose of ship registration?

Answer 1

Like you and like me, boats (ships) sailing in off shore waters and in foreign coastal waters, must have a name and an address.

The principal purpose of the ship's registration is to provide "world wide" proof of ownership. This enables yacht and ship owners, to take advantage of all the Maritime laws and treaties that govern the rules, laws, etc. of the open seas and coastal waters in all foreign countries.

Registration costs and annual fees are not cheap, and falls under the International Maritime Laws and Treaties...  It is for the "sole" purpose of Identity and proof of ownership in International waters. It has nothing to do with taxes, or what cargo the ship can carry, or where the ship can go, etc. - It only has to do with proof of ownership.

Commercial vessels in International waters are required by law to be registered... some others (yachts) other-wise not required by law - are often required to be registered by the Banks or Lien-holders loaning the money for these vessels.

But the reason is for identity and proof of ownership in International waters.

Happy and Safe Boating!

Answer 2

Taxes and what they can hall and where they can  go.