Vessel Hierarchy

The PCS uses a two-tier system to manage vessel data:

Vessel Repository (master records)

The Vessel Repository maintains a single, unique record for each vessel, identified by its IMO and/or official number. The first organisation to register a vessel enters specific, non-confidential details to “anchor” the vessel in the PCS. Only the organisation that created the record and the Maritime Services Division (MSD) can manage the vessel repository record.

Vessel Profile (organisation-specific)

The Vessel Profile is a private record for each vessel your organisation represents. To create a profile, you must first select the corresponding master record from the vessel repository, then enrich it with additional details, such as the Certificate of Registry, Tonnage Certificate, and the operator information.

Therefore, each organisation is able to independently manage and update the specific vessel profiles created by its members without impacting the unique master record for the vessel.

Feature	Vessel Repository	Vessel Profile
Scope	Master (visible to all)	Private (organisation-specific)
Identifier	IMO / Official number	IMO / Official number
Updates	Creator organisation and MSD	Creator organisation
Content	Basic vessel identity information	Full vessel details (e.g. Certificate of Registry, Tonnage, owner and operator information)