Yacht owners registered under the Polish flag – or those considering it – should take note of proposed amendments to Poland’s yacht registration process. The Ministry of Infrastructure has drafted new regulations aimed at strengthening vessel verification and ongoing oversight for yachts up to 24 metres in length.
Over recent years, Poland’s yacht registry has gained popularity as a low-cost and efficient option, but this success has come with challenges. Similair to how Delaware was once used as a “flag of convenience”, the Polish flag has, to some extent, become a victim of its own success. Initially conceived as an accessible and cost-effective registration option, it is now extensively used by vessels operating all over the world.
The Ministry has raised concerns that many of the tens of thousands of yachts registered in Poland operate primarily outside Polish waters. Officials have acknowledged that the current administrative system lacks sufficient mechanisms to verify vessel ownership, identity, and seaworthiness.
To address these gaps, the Ministry is proposing a an amendment to the law introducing a mandatory preliminary inspection and regular data verification for all registered yachts.
Under the draft amendment, every yacht seeking registration would be required to undergo an inspection conducted by an authorised organisation recognised by the Polish flag administration.
This inspection is expected to function similarly to a British tonnage measurement or safety survey conducted by other flag states. The cost of the inspection would be borne by the yacht owner, and the resulting documentation would form part of the official registration record.
In addition to the initial inspection, yacht owners would also need to confirm and update their registration data at least every five years – possibly more frequently.
While details of this process remain unclear, failure to comply could lead to a yacht being removed from the register. The amendment could also pave the way for additional eligibility requirements, making the Polish registry more selective and enhancing its credibility internationally.
It remains uncertain is whether the new rules will apply only to newly registered yachts or will extend to vessels already flying the Polish flag. The proposed amendments are expected to enter public consultation in the first quarter of 2026, after which further clarity will be provided regarding their scope and implementation timeline.
Yacht owners – whether currently registered in Poland or considering it – are strongly encouraged to stay informed about these developments. For specific guidance or questions regarding the upcoming changes, please contact our yacht registration team for assistance.
