Compliance
Maritime KYB
Business verification for owners, operators, brokers and transaction counterparties.
Know-your-business review establishes that a company exists, is authorized to transact and is understood well enough for the deal’s risk. It is especially important where vessels are owned through layered entities.
Build the entity picture
Obtain formation records, registered address, directors or managers, ownership information, authority resolutions and tax or registry identifiers as relevant. Validate the legal name and jurisdiction against independent sources.
Understand the entity’s role: titled owner, operator, charterer, broker, lender or payee. A legitimate company can still be the wrong party to sell the vessel or receive proceeds.
Review ownership and behavior
Map beneficial ownership and control to the level required by your risk program. Screen the entity and relevant associated people, and investigate adverse information rather than relying on an automated “clear” alone.
Refresh KYB if ownership, mandates, bank details or the transaction structure changes. Keep evidence sufficient for audit and privacy obligations.
Buyer checklist
- Validate formation, status, address and legal name.
- Confirm directors, ownership and signing authority.
- Match entity role to title and transaction documents.
- Screen the business and relevant controllers.
- Refresh checks when structure or instructions change.
Put the plan into a controlled workflow
Create a transaction to coordinate parties, documents, diligence and closing milestones, or explore the marketplace with your broker.
Related guidance
Maritime KYC
Identity verification practices that help transaction teams know who they are dealing with.
AML and Sanctions Screening
Risk-based controls for parties, vessels, cargoes, payments and maritime activity.
USCG Vessel Documentation
How federal vessel documentation works, what it proves, and how to prepare a transfer.