Hi,
We have a yacht coming in as cargo on board a large ship from the Philippines to West Palm Beach, Florida. From West Palm, we need to sail to Miami where the yacht will be docked. I have called the Customs and Border Protection Marine Section in Florida and I was told that we need to secure a cruising license to be able to travel from West Palm to Miami and eventually to other ports within U.S. waters and we are not to pay anything since the yacht is coming in as cargo. Please share information based on your experience. How long can we stay in the U.S. without having to make an exit considering that the yacht is registered in Hong Kong? Also, if there are any fees and taxes that we need to pay.
I am hoping I could get a document that clearly states the information that I have gathered as I wouldn't want to be blamed for any miscommunication as soon as the yacht is in the U.S. Things should be sorted out before yacht's departure on the 15th of June.
I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks.
