Boat registration requirements for traveling in open ocean

dwolf

Can you anyone tell me if there's anything different that I need to do as far as both restoration other than my regular state registration for when I go to the Bahamas do I need to register my boat to go in the ocean or will my state registration be sufficient in other words

Cableguy Greg

I could be wrong, but you will need a few flags to have on your boat. One is the USA flag, next is the Bahamian flag and third is a quarantine flag for when you go thru customs. Like I said above, I could be wrong. Our fellow boaters to the North would probably know more since they do the Great Lake crossing.

Handymans342

I would carry a 50 caliber at least

Stodge

I'd call the Bahamas Customs office and ask them.  But as far as I know there is no special boat registration needed.   You may also want to ask US Customs about the correct process for re-entering the US.  Normally you have to report in person to a customs agent and declare.  We have a trusted traveler program for US/Canada up here and can check in/out by phone.  I don't know what the requirements are there.  I do know that they can get pretty grumpy (fines, etc.) if you get caught not checking back in. 

pault1216

When I was planning to go 20 years ago, I think I had to have an FCC license to operate the VHF in international waters since I was registered in the US.

Stodge

@pault1216 The same rule applies to Canada, but don't know anybody who has gotten the license.  Not like they won't respond if you call for help.  

212rowboat

wouldn't hurt to get your boat documented by name/port.  

Stodge

I checked the FCC site and it appears that Marine VHF is exempt from license requirements.  Only Marine HF (SSB) requires a license.

Stodge

Just checked the FCC site regarding license for marine radio and it appears it's only needed for marine HF radio, not VHF radio.

You do not need a license to use marine VHF radios, any type of EPIRB, any type of radar, GPS or LORAN receivers, depth finders, CB radio, or amateur radio (an amateur license is required). Ships that use MF/HF single side-band radio, satellite communications, or telegraphy must continue to be licensed by the FCC.

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing&id=ship_stations

Glassguy54

Also let your insurance company know what your plans are so you are adequately covered.

Stodge

@Glassguy54 good point.  Your policy may have location limits.  Like mine which limits me to the Great Lakes.

Black_Diamond

Looks like my post didn't make it, I will ++ to 212Rowboat on getting your boat Documented before going into a foreign country.  Generally the boat needs to be >25' long to be documented.  The USCG handles boat documentation.

pault1216

pault1216 said:

When I was planning to go 20 years ago, I think I had to have an FCC license to operate the VHF in international waters since I was registered in the US.

Alot can change in 20 years I guess. I also had a ship station license. I do remember calling their consulate and getting a bunch of grief about firearms coming in.

Mustard

As a licensed Captain I travel to Bahamas all the time. They do not care about registration.   You are going to need a passport for each person on board, an American flag flying, a quarantine displayed until you clear customs and then a Bahamas courtesy flag to display once you do clear customs.  From Florida the best place to check in is West End Bahamas.  They have customs agents there at the docks to check you in.  Do not bring fresh fruits.  Check Bahamas custom website and it tells you all the "do's and "don't". 

Handymans342

Great info

raybo3

Black_Diamond said:

Looks like my post didn't make it, I will ++ to 212Rowboat on getting your boat Documented before going into a foreign country.  Generally the boat needs to be >25' long to be documented.  The USCG handles boat documentation.

Chris I checked to see if your post needed approval but nothing was there. Did the post have a link in it?

randy56

Hey why don't we just go with capt Mustard

Handymans342

Maybe he has a 50 foot viking

Mustard

You guys can hire me anytime !! or I can help with advice on places to visit.   I just got back from spending 2 weeks in the Abaco's Bahamas aboard a 60ft Hatteras motor yacht. 

Handymans342

Nice boat

Cableguy Greg

Awesome!

dwolf

Cableguy Greg said:

I could be wrong, but you will need a few flags to have on your boat. One is the USA flag, next is the Bahamian flag and third is a quarantine flag for when you go thru customs. Like I said above, I could be wrong. Our fellow boaters to the North would probably know more since they do the Great Lake crossing.

where do i get these flags? i read something about needing them

Stodge

I have seen them on most marine web sites (Overtons, West Marine, Defender).