Importing a Boat to Australia

[meyermm]

Originally Posted by TrevC

Or simply don't bother. It's just another tax with no benefit other than protection from the water police handing you fines.

Depends where you are, of course. If you're near a high-traffic port or city it could become more of an issue. We were in a city-area without state rego for quite sometime. Perhaps we were lucky, but we never had any problems. Also be mindful not to speed in your dinghy or anything else that could attract unwanted attention

You need it for international entry exit

[TrevC]

Originally Posted by meyermm

You need it for international entry exit

State rego is required for entry/exit to the country? I'm fairly confident it's not.

[dennisail]

That's national Au registration is it not?

[TrevC]

There's the AMSA registry, and ships registration by each individual state.

[savoir]

Originally Posted by meyermm

You need it for international entry exit

Where does it say that ? ? ?

[D&D]

You must have flag registration -- If you intend the vessel to 'live' Australia, that's through AMSA and the Australian Register of Ships -- to travel internationally. It's the vessel's passport.

There seems to be some uncertainty about whether, if you have Australian/AMSA Registration, you also require State registration. The State agencies tend (not surprisingly, of course, as it's their jobs) to say State registration is required, but it is the clear intention of the overall regime to phase out the state intermediaries and end up with a single, Federal maritime system under AMSA, similar to what applies in the UK and the USA. The current date for the AMSA take-over is 2013, but that date is in fact an adjusted/deferred date for several previous attempts that did not make it -- The states weren't ready -- in time.

Australian Registration is more complex and expensive than State registration, but it is a one-ff process. State Registration is renewed annually.

[D&D]

Just on earlier posts, UK Registration (with a UK address etc) is certainly fine for international travel, including around OZ, BUT...

It is clear that a vessel with an Australian home must be registered in Australia.

The other important requirement (and downside!) to being an Australian registered vessel is tax, specifically Duty and GST. It is our understanding that there is a very limited period of time within which a non-Australian vessel can cruise Australian waters before that vessel becomes subject to Australian regulation...and tax.There is a clear risk of impoundment (and ultimately sale) of any vessel determined to be residing in Australian waters and not entered as such with (especially) Customs and whatever maritime registration is appropriate. Whilst maritime authorities in some areas are more casual than others about checking registration(s), we are advised the revenue people are both connected to Maritime and the Navy and VERY keen on enforcing their revenues!

In our humble view, being on the Australian Register of Ships is the way to go. It (or some 'flag' registration, NOT a state registration) is both necessary for any overseas cruising and the 'proper' course for a vessel living here...and it's a one-off!

[savoir]

Originally Posted by D&D

You must have flag registration -- If you intend the vessel to 'live' Australia, that's through AMSA and the Australian Register of Ships -- to travel internationally. It's the vessel's passport.

There seems to be some uncertainty about whether, if you have Australian/AMSA Registration, you also require State registration. The State agencies tend (not surprisingly, of course, as it's their jobs) to say State registration is required, but it is the clear intention of the overall regime to phase out the state intermediaries and end up with a single, Federal maritime system under AMSA, similar to what applies in the UK and the USA. The current date for the AMSA take-over is 2013, but that date is in fact an adjusted/deferred date for several previous attempts that did not make it -- The states weren't ready -- in time.

Australian Registration is more complex and expensive than State registration, but it is a one-ff process. State Registration is renewed annually.

More likely they weren't willing to give up all those registration fees.

[meyermm]

Originally Posted by savoir

Where does it say that ? ? ?

Rather than argue with you just read D & Ds reply as he is on the money. I was not referring to state registration as the poster PeterC sounded like he was not in Australia.

[dirkdig]

D&d is the man,really knows he's stuff

[dennisail]

Originally Posted by D&D

..

It is clear that a vessel with an Australian home must be registered in Australia.

When I am sailing international waters does my vessel have an Australian home? I would transfer over to state rego and pay my import tax etc when I "import" it. This is OK isn't it?

[meyermm]

The first question on entry to Australia will be is the boat staying? If it is you will be required to at least start the import process immediately. If not I believe you will be able to gain a cruising permit for a set amount of time not sure but maybe 12mths. This will be a once only and then you will be required to import the boat. State registration will be required if the boat remains in one state permanently and the owner resides in that state. I have been told that the marinas are checked every so often for long term non in this case QLD registered boats. As I did import the boat and so did not apply for cruise permit I am not 100% with the details. When you arrive in a foreign port customs want to see that the boat has national registration papers not state rego. Australian Customs are not stupid they probably have a manual showing all the tricks people have used to try and circumvent paying import GST etc. Once they sense you are going down this path life becomes more difficult for you. If you play by the rules the whole exercises is not as difficult as some make out. I have made this point before that using a customs agent is the best way to go as customs are much more relaxed, the cost relative to the boat is minor. dennisail there is one snag wood and old boats Quarantine will want to be sure that the boat is free of unwanted living stowaways. Even the sniffer dog inspection will set you back $1000, like I said earlier old boats start off cheap and then head North.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by dennisail

When I am sailing international waters does my vessel have an Australian home? I would transfer over to state rego and pay my import tax etc when I "import" it. This is OK isn't it?

No, if you are an Australian and own a boat and it is in international waters, it MUST be Australian registered.
It is simply Australian law under IIRC, the shipping act.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by meyermm

...... I have been told that the marinas are checked every so often for long term non in this case QLD registered boats. ......

FWIW, WA fisheries officers, WA water police (and probably other WA public officers) regularly check boats in WA for current state registration.

[dennisail]

Originally Posted by Wotname

No, if you are an Australian and own a boat and it is in international waters, it MUST be Australian registered.
It is simply Australian law under IIRC, the shipping act.

Nikki has dual UK AU citizenship. Will this be OK? And how has Jimbo successfully done it twice if its a MUST?