The Australian Register of Historic Vessels

Does your institution care for vessels of historical significance?

The Australian Register of Historic Vessels is the definitive online registry of historic vessels in Australia. It is managed by the Australian National Maritime Museum, and was developed in associated with Sydney Heritage Fleet.

It aims to build a national picture of heritage watercraft to promote awareness, and highlight their connections to communities past and present, and encourage their preservation and use. The Register features technical and historical information about vessels as well as their designers, builders, owners, and the social and geographical context in which these watercraft have existed.

Applications are open for all ownership types, and especially those vessels managed by maritime heritage institutions. Vessels are nominated using an online form, and assessed via a rigorous process which considers their provenance, significance, originality, and relevance to Australia’s maritime history.

If you believe your vessel meets the criteria, please complete the online form and the ARHV Secretary will contact you.

See also below for a diagram with further information.

Images, clockwise from top: Cheynes IV (HV000620), Mayflower (HV000166), Anniki (HV000089), Thistle (HV000023), HMAS Onslow (HV000374), Tacoma (HV000151), Little Dirk (HV000008), Whitsunday Island Aboriginal Bark Canoe (HV000038)