Is it Necessary (Mandatory) to Register a Yacht ?

[Kojiro]

I'm just about to take ownership of an ex Greek registered 45 foot yacht. It will be deregisted as far as the Greek authorities are concerned.
What are the rules: do I have to register my yacht?

[twistedtree]

Where are you going to register/flag it? That location's rules will apply.

[Kojiro]

That's the essence of my question. Do I have to register it at all?

I live in Australia at the moment, hold an Australian passport, and will eventually sail the boat back to Australia. So if regustration is necessary (mandatory) then I guess I'd register it as an Australian yacht.

But do I have to register at all?

[ozskipper]

yes register it as an australian registered ship. Brochure - Australian Register of Ships
You can register it with many other countries. But being an aussie on an aussie registered boat will save you a few hassles clearing customs as you go from port to port. The boat doesnt have to be in aus to be registered. Give amsa a call and they will talk you through the process.

[twistedtree]

I think it will depend on the laws of the countries that you visit. In the US I believe you need to be registered in some way somewhere. Foreign registrations are recognized, or you need a US coast guard registration (called documentation here), or a US State registration.

If it were me, I'd register it. If nothing else I think it will ease customs crossings. I can't imaging the confusion you would cause with no registration of any nation. And if you are Australian, and likely going back to Australia, that's where I'd register it.

[martinjrichter]

If the boat isn't registered other countries may not let your boat in! Your passport doesn't mean anything relative to the boat, only to you.

[ozskipper]

better link Brochure - Yachts, Cruisers and Fishing Boats . Remember that it also proves the Title of the boat. You will need to prove ownership as you go from country to country

[Kojiro]

Sounds like I need to register the boat.

Thanks everyone.

[ozskipper]

To add to that. As an aus reg "ship" , Aus laws apply on the vessel. So you cant toss the mother inlaw overboard, even in international waters. So even if your parked up in country where mother inlaw tossing is legal, youre still unable to do it. Hmmm...<looks left- looks right> I might register my next boat in Somalia..lol

[skipmac]

You will definitely have to register, document or some way as specified by the country of your choise, get some sort of legal paperwork for your boat. Otherwise you will encounter major problems in almost every country in the world.

Just like you have to have a passport for yourself you also have to have some sort of legal paperwork for the boat. Mainly I think to show that you own or have legal right to be aboard that boat.

So, unless you plan to go to sea and never enter a country, then yes.