With over 40 years of experience supporting clients in the acquisition, ownership and sale of high value assets, we’ve developed a deep understanding of what drives peace of mind in this space. Whether it’s business aircraft, helicopters, fine art, luxury vehicles or yachts, our expertise ensures that every high value asset is managed with precision and purpose.

In this article, written by Ian Petts, Ian explores the benefits of the Isle of Man Shipping Registry.

As a category 1 member of the Red Ensign Group, the IOM Ship Registry can register yachts of any size or type, both commercial and pleasure, offering owners a holistic service for their super yachts and tenders. The registry was one of the first registries back in 2015, to be ISO 9001 quality certified and now has over 330 yachts on the register and it has several times been awarded Best Global Register.

The registry has also recently announced it has retained its prestigious United States Coast Guard ‘QualShip-21’ status, one of only a few international flag registries that can proudly state the same quality giving access to US waters.

Strong reputation with Port State Control. As both Paris and Tokyo whitelisted flag states and ranked very highly on both rankings, it is the premium registry flag for your yacht.

The registry is flexible offering parallel registration. Available to commercial vessels it provides flexible solutions for owners. This is useful for leasing, financing or charter operations where different registrations may be required.

Innovative registration

Its online platform has been modernised to take card payments and receive online filings. The registry is one that is often imitated but never equalled by other registries in its response rates and innovation.

Digital certificates and the first registry to embrace remote inspections for surveys. Two physical surveys must be carried out every five year period but owners may elect for others to be remote.

Responsive registry

The IOM registry appreciates the importance of time to owners. Out of hours registrations are possible and a 24/7 emergency response by key surveyors. The registry aims to respond within a day on technical matters. A global network of surveyors enhances the service coverage.

The owners choice

The neutrality, stability, experience and responsivity of the IOM registry gives owners the peace of mind and global freedom to cruise that owners require. The Triple A status of the Island with a deep financial cluster and acceptability to financiers make financing your yacht with the IOM registry much faster. The high standards of the registry give future buyers the confidence the yacht is well maintained maximising the resale value of the yacht.

Owner crew relations are easier to handle under an IOM registered vessel since the registry is signed up to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency standard, but also importantly it is worth noting there is a depth of legal expertise and experience and past cases on the island for dealing with yacht crew relations. This is a prime benefit to owners having their flag registered in the IOM and having the peace of mind they can access competent and experienced legal resource for dealing with contractual and crew matters.

An international registry

In March 2025, the IOMSR broadened its global reach with the addition of over 50 new countries to its list of Qualifying Owners. This expansion includes all current Commonwealth members, as well as a selection of other nations identified as key markets for future growth.

The registry is unique in that it operates on a cost neutral platform, it is not a private registry, seeking a profit, or a registry owned by private equity. It is a registry fully backed by the Isle of Man Government which strongly supports the maritime sector and is investing in its future,  allowing its fee structure to be extremely competitive and cost competitive. However, the registry benefits from close relations with the UK government, the UK Governments resources and sits at the table with the wider Red Ensign Group.

✔ UK aligned safety and crewing standards via MCA, compliant regulations for construction, safety and employment.

✔ Royal Navy protection and British consular support worldwide, important in this volatile world and with a trend of yachts to go further afield off the beaten track.

✔ No annual tonnage dues and favourable Manx tax legislation.

✔ 24/7 registration, ideal for time critical transactions.

✔ High Port State Control rankings, ensuring minimal inspections and operational delays.

✔ Experienced team with customised super yachts offering practical and implementable solutions for owners design wishes. A consultancy service for flag involvement in any innovation and design projects.

✔ Part of the prestigious Red Ensign group.

✔ Receives support and guidance from UK intelligence services, UK Department for transport, International shipping and counter piracy, and Maritime security divisions and direct access to UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and world class casualty investigation services through its agreement with the UK Marine accident investigation branch.

✔ Ability to switch from private to commercial and vice versa to benefit owners who want to reduce costs during the winter periods or benefit from charter activities (Professional written advice especially in respect of VAT should be sought in advance of any switch).

Fast, professional service at a fair cost, supported by a full range of maritime expertise, makes the IOM the go to jurisdiction for super yacht registration. The registry is conscious that yachts are custom assets which need custom care and often have custom design elements that need to be approved. To that end they offer a consultancy service for the design stage of super yachts.

Getting ownership and tax advice from qualified experienced professionals in advance of purchasing a yacht is critical. Yacht owners change their mission, operations and residencies, however owners can be confident that the IOM is one of the most flexible jurisdictions for yacht and jet owners through the life of the yacht, every owner and yacht is different and flag registration and ownership solution must be customised to the owner, mission and yacht.

With deep expertise in aviation, yachting, and fiduciary services, the IOM is the ultimate jurisdiction for owners seeking privacy, efficiency, and stability.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or looking to own a high value asset such as a yacht, Martyn Fiddler offers tailored solutions backed by decades of experience. Contact martin@martynfiddler.com to explore how we can support your specific goals with confidence.

In our next article, we will; focus on the IOM as the convenient choice for super and mega yachts with helicopter operations, since the Isle of Man (IOM) also has a quality aviation M-Reg register for both helicopters and business aircraft.