Discover the R.I.F Registre International Français

The R.I.F. is one of the first things to consider before acquiring a vessel, especially when it is to be used commercially.

Let’s take a look at the RIF, its history, the conditions required to enter the fleet, its advantages for the shipowner, as well as the advantages for its sailors.

You’ll find all this information on the RIF website here.

What is R.I.F.?

It is one of the 6 registers of the French flag:
– Premier registre (métropole)
– Registre International Français (RIF)
– Registre de Wallis-et-Futuna
– Registre des terres australes et antarctiques françaises
– Registre de la Polynésie française
– Registre de Nouvelle Calédonie

Created by the law of May 3, 2005, the RIF is the French registry for commercial shipping and yachting vessels.

Context: harmonizing European policies, strengthening maritime safety and security, developing the competitiveness of shipping companies and maritime employment.

Requirements:
– Vessels over 15m LOA(LOA>15m)
– Long-distance commercial vessels,
– International cabotage and,
– Commercial yachts (NUC)(French Transport Code – article L5611-2).

If the LOA and future use of the vessel are in line, we recommend that you request an audit from the ” Guichet Unique” for advice and initial contact with your preferred contact.

Depending on the LHT, you will have to comply with:
– Division 240 for LHT ≤24m
– Division 242 for LHT >24m and gauge <3000

In addition to choosing a flag, you will also choose a Classification Society, which must be recognized by the flag. Classification Societies authorized | Registre International Français (RIF)

In fact, the flag relies on the certificates approved by the classification societies, and in particular the stability files, to issue the navigation permit.

Advantages of RIF | Registre International Français (RIF)

1- The advantages of R.I.F for the shipowner :

– The choice of a European registry recognized worldwide for its rigorous standards of maritime safety and security

– Simplified administrative procedures thanks to a single point of contact (vessel registration, maritime mortgages, recognition of crew member visas, etc.)

– Formalities free of charge (only the cost of inspectors’ travel abroad is borne by the shipowner)

– Tax measures and exemptions:

• Exemption from VAT and customs duties on the vessel when imported, on bunkering goods and domestic tax, on petroleum products, on deliveries of goods intended for incorporation into the vessel, on maintenance, conversion, repair, chartering and leasing operations;
• Exemption from the annual free-floating and navigation fee(DAFN) ;
• Reduction of employer contributions to 11.6% (instead of 35.6%) to the social protection scheme for seafarers (ENIM) for crews resident in France;
• Exemption from employer contributions for certain activities under certain conditions ;

2- The advantages of R.I.F for seamen :

– Total exemption from income tax for salaried seafarers domiciled in France and embarked for more than 183 days over a sliding 12-month period;
– Validation of services with the social scheme for seafarers (ENIM) covering sickness, work-related accidents and pension contributions;
– Validation of sailing time to obtain or maintain STCW certificates.

What about the RIF fleet?

I would remind you that this register is open under certain conditions, not only to professional pleasure craft (also known as “yachting”), but also to shipping vessels.

All the vessels illustrated in this article were registered with the RIF during the 2022 season.

The RIF fleet crosses the threshold of 400 vessels | Registre International Français (RIF)
Published on 26/12/2022

Last week, the French International Register (RIF) fleet passed the symbolic milestone of 400 vessels flying the French flag.

Wednesday 21st: the RIF one-stop shop registered the LNG carrier“Lech Kaczyński Knutsen“, delivered to Knutsen LNG France after completion at the Ulsan shipyard (South Korea). With an overall length of 299 meters and a capacity of 174,000 m3, she is the 4th LNG carrier to join the RIF in 2022. The vessel is chartered by the Polish gas group PGNiG SA.

Thursday 22nd: the“Canopée“, the 1st vessel powered by diesel engines, joined the fleet under the French flag. This 121-meter vessel, owned by JIFMAR GUYANEwill be chartered by Alizés to transport the Ariane 6 rocket (ArianeGroup) from Europe to its launch base in Kourou (French Guiana). The “Canopée” will be equipped with 4 articulated wings that will reduce its fuel consumption by 30% thanks to wind power.

With the RIF, the French fleet has the wind in its sails and is contributing to the
decarbonization of maritime transport.