---
title: "Vessel Documentation"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/vessel-documentation-en"
field: "Aviation & Maritime Law"
description: "Vessel documentation under the Georgian Merchant Marine Code: core papers, logs and certificate recognition. Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-02-10"
updated: "2026-10-15"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Vessel Documentation

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/vessel-documentation-en

## The Importance of Vessel Documentation

The Merchant Marine Code of Georgia regulates vessel documentation as a mandatory matter: a ship registered in Georgia must carry the core documents defined by law, which serve both as evidence of the ship's safety and of the lawfulness of its navigation. A gap in documentation disables the operation of the vessel: control authorities at port check the papers first, and only then is the ship cleared for navigation. For a shipowner, maintaining complete documentation is therefore one of the most important administrative tasks of modern seamanship. In modern practice documentation plays a dual role: it underpins both state control and commercial relations — insurance, chartering and dealings with ports. The statutory list of papers is closed and is supplemented only by international treaties.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/vessel-documentation-en

### Which documents must a registered ship carry?

The certificate of registration, crew-manning document, ship's log, engine and sanitary logs, radio-station certificate and crew list, plus other documents under treaties.

### How long are logs kept?

Completed logs are kept on board for 3 years.

### Must a sport ship have a tonnage certificate?

Special-service and sport ships may lack a tonnage certificate.

### Who issues the ship's radio-station certificate?

The Agency, in agreement with the Georgian National Communications Commission.