Ahoy there! – Welcome to the SMNOSkip to main contentSwiss federal authoritiesLanguage dropdown English selectedDEFRITEN Swiss Maritime Navigation Office SMNO FDFA FDFA-SMNO Swiss Maritime Navigation Office SMNO  FDFA Search Search Online Desk Contact Fees Ahoy there! – Welcome to the SMNO The Swiss Maritime Navigation Office (SMNO) is the Swiss centre of competence for maritime navigation and questions relating to the Law of the Sea. It represents Switzerland in international organisations and also implements national and international maritime legislation and the Antarctic Treaty. In addition to supervising all seagoing vessels under the Swiss flag, it is also the registration authority for yachts and coastal vessels. Maritime StrategyDigital Flag State Documents © Lukas Roth (SMNO) Key topics Promoting environmentally friendly inland shipping Inland shipping and environmental protection go hand in hand, whether in terms of safety, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants or waste management. More about «Promoting environmentally friendly inland shipping» Steering towards carbon-neutral ocean shipping: the 2023 IMO strategy In 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted measures to cut GHG emissions caused by shipping with the objective of mitigating the impact of maritime transport on climate change. More about «Steering towards carbon-neutral ocean shipping: the 2023 IMO strategy» The deep sea: strong environmental protection or commercial deep-sea mining? The global demand for critical minerals is growing along with a resultant interest in deep-sea mining. Switzerland has called for a temporary moratorium on the commercial exploitation of the Area. More about «The deep sea: strong environmental protection or commercial deep-sea mining?» Significance of maritime shipping for global trade Maritime transport is the cornerstone of global trade. With its international orientation, the Swiss economy relies on the smooth functioning of supply chains and maritime trade. More about «Significance of maritime shipping for global trade» New conditions for flying the Swiss flag at sea: a powerful signal for the future A comprehensive revision of Swiss maritime legislation will make the Swiss flag more attractive for commercial seagoing vessels and yachts. More about «New conditions for flying the Swiss flag at sea: a powerful signal for the future» Examples of vessels flying the Swiss flag A number of vessels flying the Swiss flag set the standard when it comes to innovation, research, sustainability and sport. More about «Examples of vessels flying the Swiss flag» Contact FDFA Swiss Maritime Navigation Office SMNO Elisabethenstrasse 33 P.O.Box Switzerland - 4010 Basel+41 58 467 11 20 [email protected] Yachts: +41 58 467 11 26 Coastal boats: +41 58 467 11 27 About the SMNO The Swiss Maritime Navigation Office (SMNO) is the Swiss centre of competence for maritime navigation and questions relating to the Law of the Sea. It represents Switzerland in international organisations. © EDA/DFAE/FDFA Online Desk Further information Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Federal Office of Transport Federal Office for Customs and Border Security Federal Office of Communications Port of Switzerland Basel city land registry office Terms and conditions Accessibility Impressum