The republic of Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands lying 650 miles west of Fiji and 1500 miles north east of Australia. Vanuatu is known for its romantic tropical landscape, the world's most accessible volcanoes, crystal clear waterfalls and turquoise blue oceans with unparalleled scuba diving opportunities. The local people, or Melanesian descent, have a magical charm and friendliness unique to Vanuatu.

The capital, Port Vila, boasts one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. The town offers excellent restaurants, duty free shopping, and a colourful local market. No visas are required for stays of less than 30 days for residents of Australia, New Zealand, and EEC, Japan, Canada and the United States.

The Government of Vanuatu has successfully established a major base for the registration of foreign ships.

Under the Maritime Act and Maritime Regulations, ships can be registered under the Vanuatu flag. The underlying law is the non-statutory maritime law of the United States. The Maritime Act caters for such matters as the limitation of a ship owner's liability, carriage of goods by sea, ship mortgages, merchant seamen and salvage.


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