Taking state registered boat to Caribbean?

[gnorbury]

Hello everyone!

Later this year, my wife and I are planning to move aboard and head south from the Chesapeake towards Florida and the Caribbean islands.

One problem I''ve been unable to find solid information on, is whether we are likely to encounter difficulties clearing into Caribbean ports with our MD state registered Nicolson 35.

I know conventional thinking says your boat should be USCG Documented if you plan on travelling internationally, but for me this won''t be possible due to the citizenship requirement since I''m only a green card holder.

Does anyone have any first hand experience taking their state registered vessel abroad?

many thanks
Graham

[Peter_pan]

Hi
We were going to go from Los Angeles to Mexico. Boat regestered in Ca. No problem but there is a ream of paperwork. Liscenses for every thing from the fishing gear to the VHF radio. Even the radar needed a liscense. Dingy needed one too. Check with the consulats of every countries waters you will encounter. Don''t take any firearms there either. Be sure medications have recent doctors prescriptions too. Every person on board has to be documented. Be sure not to leave anybody behind. They don''t like that.
Good Luck, Ole Pete

[gnorbury]

I rather figured that might be the case. Thats good news, thanks!

Licenses shouldn''t be a problem - I have an FCC issues station license for the SSB, VHF, ... and of course operators licenses as well.

Graham

[jhanay]

Hi
I think you will have problems. Don''t go to the French Islands, they do not recognize State registration. The vessel must be documented; if not there is a $200.00 fine. I know, I paid it once, my decal expired.
Be smart document it. I believe you may start a corporation,then document it. Check it out.

Joe

[gnorbury]

Sounds like I shall be avoiding any french officials and their islands

For USCG documentation a corporation must be >50% owned by US citizens, so that pretty much rules that out too. Offshore registration seems like the only real solution, but I don''t particularly want to take on the cruising permit hassle when we get back to the US.

Graham

[kimberlite]

i don''t understand the problem. why don''t you just document the boat through the coast guard?
eric

[gnorbury]

I''m a permanent resident not a US citizen. 4 more years on the clock before I can become a citizen...

Graham