( Ship registration) A newly constructed ship has to have its own identity, birthplace and nationality before it takes off in its journey. The owner applies to the registration authority or Appropriate Government Body of the country whose flag the vessel is going to fly. ( see : Flag Of Convenience - also ). they will have to provide in the declaration, the details of the ship, its plans and other relevant data required by such authorities. Subsequently the ship's tonnage has to be verified by a Registering Body Surveyor. After formalities are complete the ship owner receives a Certificate of Registration. This bears the vessel's name, details of tonnage, year of construction, name of owner etc. This is the most vital document which is examined in most of the places visited by the ship in course of its business.