Cruising Overseas?

[CaptainK]

Dear Forum,

Lets say I took a sailboat to another foreign country, from the United States.

What kind of documentation would I need to carry aboard. And I suppose a passport is one of them?

If anyone has a answer. I look forward in reading it on the next posting on the forum.

Regards,

Kevin
CaptainK

[Talbot]

Documentation will differ from country to country. The Jimmy Cornell World cruising handbook gives good details, but you need to make sure the info is up-to-date.

For me to go across the channel from UK to France, I need passports, boat registration certificate, Insurance certificate, Evidence of VAT, crew list, and a proper ship's log.

[CaptainK]

Dear Talbot,

I'm fairly new to this forum. Could you please explain what a VAT is?

As time goes by. I'll understand all the sailing terms (jargon).

Regards,

Kevin
CaptainK

[BC Mike]

A British invention often cloned elsewhere.
Value added tax. Item costs $1000- plus tax.
The VAT could be added on top of other taxes, or it could be based on the original value.
GST. Goods and Services tax. Item cost in BC Canada, plus 7% BC sales tax plus 7% GST, both based on the $1000-.
A wonderful way for the Govt. to get money, a wonderful way to slow down a functional economy.
Probably easier to take if the taxes were buried in the price, but they do need to be disclosed.
Other countries will have different names. One of the wealthiest places is Alberta Canada and they do not have a Provincial sales tax. They just gave every resident of Alberta $400- 'cause they had too much $$.
Michael

[Talbot]

VAT certificate is important for EU residents in another EU country (especially France) as it stops any attempt by that country to make you pay VAT on your boat in their country. Different rules for non-EU members

[CaptainK]

Hmmm. I thought that's, what it was!

I know last year here in the USA. During our presidental elections. I had heard numerous sources, of the USA going to possibly use a VAT in our country.

So far. I hadn't heard anything else since the elections. I think VAT is a fair tax. Everybody pays VAT in Europe. Only thing is I have not heard anything else about our country going to this idea?

Regards,

Kevin
CaptainK

[Talbot]

Theoretically it is a fairer tax than direct taxation, cause everybody has to pay it , but its a pain in the ******* for buisnessmen as you have to maintain scrupulous records, and work out what your liability is. Furthermore the VAT inspectors have greater powers than the police in terms of being able to enter and search your buisness.

[CaptainK]

Yeah.

The business's here in the US of A I don't think they would like that search anytime idea?

And people wonder about all this scandals about stocks and bonds issues. Like Enron. And others.

Martha Stewart, has paid that price. But, she basically got slapped on the wrist for what she did!

The courts should throw the book at all the offenders. And charge them the same as poor people. The rich always tends to get away with everything.

Regards,

Kevin
CaptainK

It seems interesting how history has given revenue collectors such unchecked powers. Agencies such as our IRS, and Coast Guard (started from revenue service) and Europe's VAT inspectors. I say we give these people all the money, and watch them self destruct trying to collect from each other. Bring back the barter system, outlaw the almighty buck!

[CaptainK]

Yeah......Kai!!! Wooooohoooooo!!!!!!!!!

[Yachts66]

Also Kevin, you don't want to forget the Noonsite (noonsite.com) which is Jimmy Cornell's offical site. Most of the questions you've been asking can be answered at that site.

Regards,

TJ

[CaptainK]

Thanks Yachts66,

I have been reading some of the postings dealing with what you've mentioned.


Thanks,

Regards,


Kevin
CaptainK