Imports of ships and boats used for commercial purposes
If there is difference between the Icelandic version and the English, the Icelandic version is valid.
The Icelandic Transport Authority must be informed of the planned import of ships and boats purchased or leased from abroad for registration in Iceland.
Technical documentation must be sent to the Icelandic Transport Authority and approved before a ship is imported.
The ships shall:
be constructed in accordance with the rules of a recognised classification society for classified ships or equivalent rules.
satisfy the requirements of Icelandic laws and regulations regarding strength, equipment and seaworthiness.
The application process
The process for the approval of an import of a vessel until it is allowed to leave harbour under Icelandic flag is as follows:
Technical documentation - The Icelandic Transport Authority must be notified of the construction of a ship and drawings sent to the authority for approval.
Stability - Stability handbook for the vessel must be approved and an inclining test must be conducted to verify the stability of the vessel. This applies to all vessels other than open boats under a maximum length of 15 metres. To verify stability handbook for open boats of under 15 meters, a rolling test is sufficient.
Tonnage measurement - Confirmation of ship lengths such as registration length, length overall and gross tonnage calculations is required. If a ship has a tonnage certificate from recognised flag state, it will be republished be the Icelandic Transport Authority.
Initial inspection - The ship must be inspected, before being put into service. This shall include the inspection of any matters relating to the use for which the ship is intended.
Registration of the vessel - All imported ships and boats must be registered on the Icelandic Ship Registry. The registration can be carried out after the vessel has passed the initial survey.
Issuance of Certificates - When the ship has successfully completed all necessary inspections, it is possible to issue relevant certificates to the ship. A ship may not leave harbour until a certificate of seaworthiness has been issued.
Cost
Cost is in accordance with the tariff of the Icelandic Transport Authority:
For approval of imported ships an hourly fee for work shall be paid in accordance with the tariff of the Icelandic Transport Authority.
Travel costs - If an employee of the Icelandic Transport Authority is required to travel in connection with work relating to the approval of a ship, travel costs shall be paid in accordance with the tariff of the Icelandic Transport Authority.
A fixed fee shall be paid for certificates in accordance with the tariff of the Icelandic Transport Authority.
Legal Basis
Ship act. No. 66/2021.
Regulation No. 122/2004 on the safety of fishing vessels of 15 m in length overall and over.
Regulation No. 592/1994 on the construction, design and equipment of vessels with an overall length of of up to 15 metres.
Regulation No. 666/2001 on the safety of passenger ships engaged on domestic voyages
Regulation No. 466/2023 on inspections of ships and their equipment.
Regulation No. 189/1994 on Life-Saving Appliances and Safety Equipment of Icelandic ships.
Service provider
The Icelandic Transport AuthorityResponsible party
The Icelandic Transport Authority