The RMI Registry
The RMI Maritime Registry is recognized globally as one of the leading registries in the world. It is the only major open registry included on the White Lists of both the Paris and Tokyo Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and holds unprecedented Qualship 21 status with the US Coast Guard (USCG) for 15 consecutive years. This reputation is built on a commitment to quality, safety, and rigorous compliance.
MSI Surveys & Compliance Verifications
As an Appointed Yacht Inspector (YI), Maritime Survey International acts on behalf of the RMI Administrator to conduct surveys and compliance verifications. Our work supports the RMI Registry’s comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework, which ensures full compliance with internationally agreed-upon standards. We help RMI vessel owners and operators maintain compliance, avoid unnecessary delays by port States, and contribute to the RMI flag’s reputation for achieving the highest ratings in port State control (PSC) international rankings.
Our qualified personnel, located across Europe, the US, and Australia, are integral to the RMI Registry’s decentralized operations, providing support where and when you need it. By choosing Maritime Survey International, you are partnering with a team dedicated to the RMI Registry’s values of safety, security, environmental protection, and social responsibility, ensuring your vessel meets the rigorous standards of a world-class flag administration.
Our Services
Our inspections rigorously verify adherence to Flag State Circulars, IMO, and ILO conventions, providing peace of mind to vessel owners and operators while upholding the highest levels of maritime safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flag State Inspections (FSI) are required by Flag States to ensure that vessels under their jurisdiction demonstrate satisfactory standards on board. These inspections are carried out in order to assist these Flag Administrations in meeting their international obligations to provide oversight of vessels trading under their flags.
The process of a flag state survey once the Surveyor is on board, usually involves the following steps:
- Documentation Review: The surveyor will begin by reviewing all related documents, such as certificates of compliance, and crew certifications. They will also review the logbooks, library and any maintenance documents that ensure adherence to safety measures.
- Inspection of the Vessel: The physical inspection of the yacht will determine whether it satisfies the required construction, safety equipment, and pollution prevention systems. The surveyor will ensure that safety equipment such as life rafts, fire extinguishers, and life jackets are up to date and meet the flag state’s regulations.
- Closing meeting and review: The surveyor will take the time to sit with the Master and review the inspection and if applicable discuss any observations or non conformances.
The flag of the ship represents the nationality of the ship, i.e. the ship is under the control of the registered country. Based on the ship’s flag, the ship must comply with international and maritime law of the registered country in the open sea. Flag State rules and regulations must be complied with by vessels under its flag. Compliance with these requirements is verified through mechanisms such as vessel inspections and compliance verifications. Failure to comply with flag State requirements and international conventions can lead to issues such as port State or flag State detentions.
The frequency varies depending on the flag administration, vessel type, age, and compliance history. Some flags require annual inspections, while others may require inspections before registration, following incidents, or after long lay-up periods.
If non-conformances are found, the inspector will issue a report requiring corrective action. In serious cases, the vessel may be detained or deregistered until issues are resolved. Timely remediation and follow-up inspections are typically required to return to compliant status.
The RMI Maritime Registry is one of the leading maritime registries in the world providing administrative and technical support to vessels flagged under the RMI. It is known for its commitment to quality, safety, and compliance with international standards. International Registries, Inc. (IRI) and its affiliates provide administrative and technical support to the RMI Registries.
Yacht Inspector (YI)” means an individual or legal entity that, pursuant to Maritime Regulation 5.34, is authorised by the Administrator to board, examine, inspect or audit yachts registered under the Maritime Act and to perform other appointed functions on behalf of the Administrator. A Class surveyor is not regarded as a YI.
As an official Appointed Representative recognized by the Administrator, Maritime Survey International operates within the RMI Registry’s rigorous framework for ensuring vessel compliance. Our personnel are qualified to conduct these essential surveys and verifications contributing to the RMI Registry’s commitment to the highest quality ship registry services. Furthermore, MSI operates and follows a Quality Management System (QMS) that is certified by DNV to ISO 9001.
Choosing the flag state—where your vessel will be registered—requires weighing several key factors. The choice can affect financing terms, trading flexibility, insurance premiums, and the likelihood of Port State Control (PSC) detentions. The world’s leading ship registries by deadweight tonnage include Panama, Liberia, the Marshall Islands, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Many owners base their decision on:
- Historical use (sticking with a flag they’ve used before)
- Geographic deployment (choosing a flag aligned with the ship’s operating region)
- Type and use of vessel (some flags specialise in particular vessel types)
- Regulatory requirements (some registries have nationality, ownership or tonnage thresholds)
Ultimately, a well-informed flag choice supports operational efficiency and legal compliance.
You can contact MSI and we can connect you with most appropriate flag state that suits your needs.
Still Have Questions?
If you can’t find an answer to your question in the FAQ’s above, you can always contact us and we’ll respond asap.