Registration of Shipping Act, 1965 (Act No. 26).

Any vessel of more than fifteen tons engaged in trading in the territorial waters of Sierra Leone or between ports of Sierra Leone and any sea-going vessel, engaged in foreign trade, whether owned by a national of Sierra Leone or a foreigner, shall be eligible for registration in the Port of Freetown. No such vessels shall be accorded the rights and privileges of a Sierra Leone vessel unless registered. The Comptroller of Customs and Excise shall issue a certificate of registration to owners of vessels who request registration of eligible vessels subject to conditions stated in section 6. Sections 8 and 9 provides for provisional registration. Vessels shall not be permanently registered unless measured by a surveyor appointed by the Ports Authority (sect. 10). Every registered vessel shall be marked in accordance with provisions of section 20. The Comptroller may prescribe a system of numbering of registered vessels. Section 22 prescribes rules as to the naming of the vessel. Sections 30 to 48 make provisions for sale, mortgage of and liens on registered vessels. (59 sections)