Permit to operate passenger vessel

Commercial passenger transport with ships is subject to permit by the Icelandic Transport Authority

Tourist sightseeing and fishing trips are included, and this is in accordance with the Ships Act No. 66/2021 .

The number of crew on board such ships shall be determined by the Icelandic Transport Authority, taking into account the type of ship, arrangements and equipment, area of operation and voyage duration, necessary to ensure the safety of passengers, crew members and the ship. The master of the ship must keep on board a document proving the validity of the permit. The Minister may issue a regulation on the issuance and conditions of a permit as well as on the fee for the issuance of the licence.

A permit to operate passenger vessel may be included on the ship's certificate of seaworthiness. Violation of the permit conditions is equivalent to a violation of the conditions of the certificate of seaworthiness, according to Regulation No. 463/1998.

Period of validity

In no case may the period of validity of a permit to operate passenger vessel exceed the period of validity of the ship's seaworthiness or the period of validity of the ship's insurance, whichever is shorter.

Passenger-ship insurance

Insurance that covers all crew and passengers on board passenger ships shall be valid. Requirements for the type of insurance may vary depending on the size, area of operation and the operation of the ship. If the insurance ceases to apply, the permit to operate passenger vessel shall also expire.

Ships with a passenger license

You can view a list of ships that have a passenger license in Skútan, the ship registration and legal registration system of the Icelandic Transport Authority Agency.