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There's the political aspect as well: An Australian flagged boat (because I assume an Australian-built and registered boat would be obliged to fly that country's ensign) carries a different (not a better or worse) political weight than an American-flagged boat.
If you possess a U.S. certificate of seamanship, such as the Coast Guard "six-pack", I have no idea if this is seen as transferable or equivalent on an Australian-flagged vessel. You might find that not only is it not respected, but as an American, it is impossible for you to get Australian qualifications, with obvious insurance and charter implications.
You may also fall under different rules of salvage and insurance, and while it is unlikely you'll ever be subject to rescue from both countries, it is possible that the U.S. might rescue you (say you broke a leg on board) but *not* take your boat under tow, because it's not a U.S. boat.
Lots of questions here. I have my own somewhat similar issues, because while my boat is registered as Canadian and I co-own it with my wife, I carry dual Canadian and British citizenship. There is no recreational sailing equivalent to the British "Yachtmaster" course issued by the RYA or the U.S.C.G. 20-tonner/six-passenger or 100-tonner certificates. Canadian qualifications are strictly merchant shipping and military-oriented. So my only option is to get the British Yachtmaster if I ever want to do deliveries and demonstrate both competence and insurability. The U.S. will not certify non-citizens, otherwise I'd take their 20-tonner courses.
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