Legislation

The regulation of Small Craft in Antigua and Barbuda is based on the nature of the operations.

Small commercial vessels are regulated mainly through the Shipping (Small Commercial Vessel) Regulations, which refer to the Code for Safety of Small Commercial Vessels (SCV Code).

Small craft used for pleasure purposes only, as well as small commercial vessels below 5 metres in length are regulated mainly through the Small Craft (Control) Act and Regulations, which refer to the Code of Safety for Small Pleasure Craft (SCC Code). ADOMS has also established Directives (under the Merchant Shipping Act) in certain safety related areas.

Vessels which require Registration for the purpose of establishing nationality are subject to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act (as amended).

The Legislation is available at the links below.


Merchant Shipping Act

The Antigua and Barbuda Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2014

This ACT amends the Antigua and Barbuda Merchant Shipping Act, 2006, in order to update the primary Merchant Shipping Legislation in line with developments at an International level. The main areas covered are; The removal of the restrictions on the registration of...

The Antigua and Barbuda Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2007

This ACT amends the Antigua and Barbuda Merchant Shipping Act, 2006, so as to permit the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping to establish offices outside of Antigua and Barbuda, to allow registration for ships under construction, to...

Shipping (Small Commercial Vessels) regulations 2008

These regulations apply the Caribbean Small Commercial Vessels Code to vessels operating in Antigua and Barbuda and less than 24 metres in length and to Antigua and Barbuda  registered commercial vessels of less than 24 metres operating on international voyages in the...

The Shipping (Survey) regulations, 2008

These regulations apply the Caribbean Cargo Ship Safety Code to vessels operating in Antigua and Barbuda and to Antigua and Barbuda registered commercial vessels of less than 500 tons operating on international voyages in the Caribbean Trading area.

Antigua and Barbuda Merchant Shipping Act, 2006

This is the primary law of Antigua and Barbuda relating to the registry of ships and the maintenance of safety standards.  As primary legislation it provides the powers for the Minister to make regulations and the Director to make Directives.

Directive 003 2013 (rev 1)

This Directive has effect from 1 June 2013.  It establishes the definition of Safe Haven for vessels operating under the SCV Code and it establishes the limits that are determined for Protected Waters and Coastal Waters by ADOMS.  Additionally, the Directive contains...


Small Craft Control Act

The Small Craft Act, 2015

This Act applies to small pleasure craft operating in Antigua and Barbuda waters and the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services (ADOMS) is responsible for Registration, Licensing and Regulation. It includes private/pleasure operations on inland waters and...

The Small Craft (Control) Regulations 2017

These regulations apply to small craft licensed in Antigua and Barbuda , or operating within Antigua and Barbuda waters, irrespective of whether the small craft is also licensed or registered under any other law in Antigua and Barbuda.

Code of Safety for Small Pleasure Craft – SCC Code 2017

This is the 2017 version of the Small Craft Control Code that applies to all pleasure craft  operating in Antigua and Barbuda waters of less than 24 metres in length, whether non self-propelled, power driven,maneuvered by oars, or poles, or under sail. It also...


Codes

Code of Safety for Small Commercial Vessels – SCV Code 2021

This is the 2021 version of the Small Commercial Vessel Code that applies to vessels operating commercially, trading in the Caribbean Trading Area (which includes Antigua and Barbuda waters), which are 5 metres or more in length overall and less than 24 metres in...

Code of Safety for Caribbean Cargo Ships – CCSS Code 2020

This is the 2020 version of the Code of Safety for Caribbean Cargo Ships that applies to cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage including oil tankers and tankers, irrespective of length, engaged on international voyages trading in the Caribbean Trading Area. The...