I have attached a document that explains the cruising license requirements and other US domestic and foreign pleasure boat requirements.
You may have a problem renewing your cruising license without going foreign, call your local CBP office.
Below is a link to the US Customs directive ... this may come in handy when discussing options with CBP.
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...t/3130-006.txt
Good luck.