Vanuatu – Electronic Certificate Migration Deadline Extension

C26040| 14 Sep 2026

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers / Operators

The Vanuatu International Ship Registry (VISR) has issued Circular 037, which provides further clarification and extends the implementation period for fleet-wide migration to VISR electronic certificates.

Revised Migration Deadline

Pursuant to DBS C26027 and in accordance with paragraph 2 of VISR Circular No. 037, the mandatory migration deadline has been extended from 31 August 2026 to 30 September 2026.

All vessels and responsible companies are required to complete migration to the applicable VISR electronic certificates no later than 30 September 2026.

Until that date, valid and current hardcopy certificates may continue to be relied upon, provided they have not been superseded, cancelled, revoked or replaced.

Effective 1 October 2026, any superseded hardcopy certificate falling within the mandatory electronic migration process will be considered invalid, unless VISR has issued a written vessel-specific exception or the applicable mandatory instrument requires the original paper form.

Act now

Ship Owners / Managers / Operators should take note of the circular and be guided accordingly.