Foreign Vessel registered in U.S?

[rockDAWG]

Is it advisable to register a Hong Kong Registered boat in the U.S. in order to cruise in North America. Currently I spoke with US Custom, they told me that Hong Kong registered boat has no cruising rights in U.S. water, except to and from entry ports.

I know that there for many foreigners have their yachts registered in Delaware. I believe they form a company in the state of Delaware. Can any one fill me more info on this. Thanks.

[boatpoker]

I think you got bad info ...... call back and ask about a `Cruising license`.

I cross the border by boat frequently and often find that the border people you deal with are not wholly familiar with their own rules.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I think you got bad info ...... call back and ask about a `Cruising license`.

I cross the border by boat frequently and often find that the border people you deal with are not wholly familiar with their own rules.

The cruising license only applies to boats from certain nations. Hongkong is not on that list. here's the list:

Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahama Islands
Belgium
Bermuda
Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany, Federal Republic of
Greece
Honduras
Ireland
Italy
Jamaica
Liberia
Marshall Islands
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom and the Dependencies: the Anguilla Islands, the Isle of Man, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I think you got bad info ...... call back and ask about a `Cruising license`.

I cross the border by boat frequently and often find that the border people you deal with are not wholly familiar with their own rules.

Hmmm.... I am quite sure. I actually talked to the US. Custom in Dutch Harbor, AK. Hong Kong or China does not have any treaties with United States regarding cruising rights. The vessel can enter Dutch Harbor and can go to Nome , AK. But not allow to land in any other places.

He is the gate keeper in Dutch Harbor, it is his rule regardless if it is right or not. He warned me the a similar incident happened just last week. He advise me - Don't do it.

That is reason why I seek info to make the boat to fly U.S. flag.

[rockDAWG]

Now we have more problems.

This time with CBSA. I call their 800 number. I was advised that we can't sail from Dutch Harbor, AK to Sachs Harbour, NT, Canada directly. I was told that we must enter Canadian official entry port in British Columbia which will detour our expedition by 3 weeks.

They don't accept remote clearance entry via Phone or radio.

[Vasco]

If you are not a US Citizen your best bet is Delaware registry or registry in a country that does have reciprocal rights to cruise. A search will give you Delaware lawyers who will do Delaware registry (for a price )

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by Vasco

If you are not a US Citizen your best bet is Delaware registry or registry in a country that does have reciprocal rights to cruise. A search will give you Delaware lawyers who will do Delaware registry (for a price )

I found a company in Delaware, just a mile from my office can do the whole process less than $800. It is a small price to pay to cruise in the U.S.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

I found a company in Delaware, just a mile from my office can do the whole process less than $800. It is a small price to pay to cruise in the U.S.

Plus import duty....??

[rockDAWG]

Originally Posted by DotDun

Plus import duty....??

She never mentioned import duty. So I am not sure? I will call her again.

[reed1v]

If you are a us citizen, just get the boat documented in the us. Problem solved. We did that with two Cheoy Lees. If you are not a us citizen, then you are sol.

[Symphony]

customs questions are always hotbeds of confusion!