Boat Signage Requirements

[aht30]

Hi There,

I'm struggling to find out what the legal requirements are for boat signage, specifically if it is required that we display our call sign on the front of the boat.

We're planning a circumnavigation, so seeking advise for what would be needed for global travel.

Thanks so much in advance,

Nina

[Kettlewell]

If it's a US Documented recreational vessel your boat name does not have to be on the bow, and you certainly don't need to mark the radio call sign on the exterior of the boat. Most boats just use their boat name as an informal call sign when hailing and conversing with other vessels on the radio, though occasionally you may need to provide your formal call sign when in international waters. A formal call sign, obtained when you get a radio station license, is different than the boat name.

This is about boat naming requirements for US Documented vessels:

Can be made by the use of any means and materials which result in durable markings.
The application for documentation must include a name for the vessel composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals and may not exceed 33 characters. The name may not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; may not contain or be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.
Must not be less than four (4) inches in height (all characters).
Can be on the transom or either side of the vessel.
The vessel must have the official number permanently affixed in block-type Arabic numerals of not less than 3 inches in height, preceded by the letters “NO .” on some clearly visible interior integral structural part of the vessel.
The "hailing port" must include a place and a State, Territory, or possession of in the United States. The state may be abbreviated.
Note: There is no requirement for block letters or any other restrictions to type, font, or color for federally documented vessels.The name and hailing port of a recreational vessel must be marked together on some clearly visible exterior part of the hull.
Many recreational vessels will place the vessel name and hailing port on the stern, and vessel name on both sides of the bow, which is required for a commercial vessel. Although not required for a recreational vessel, this is an acceptable option.

[Kettlewell]

CFR-2021-title46-vol2-sec67-123
https://ecfr.report/t/title-46-shipp...g_requirements

[Jammer]

You have to comply with the rules for the country your boat is flagged in. The post upthread has the USA federal rules: you have to post the name and hailing port of your vessel, and it has to match exactly what is on your certificate of documentation.

You may also need a registration sticker from whatever state you consider your home state, and any state where you stay more than 90 days. State laws vary in their details and in the tax implications of getting the sticker. (I am pleased to note that, in Minnesota, documented vessels are entirely exempt from anything having to do with state registration, but that's unusual)

Inside the boat, required signage is: the official number as noted upthread, the garbage placard, and the "discharge of oil" placard. Some states require carbon monoxide warning stickers, too.


You don't need to post your radio call sign anywhere. You may be asked to produce the radio station license and operator's permits outside the USA, but that's rare.

[Kettlewell]

You may also need a registration sticker from whatever state you consider your home state, and any state where you stay more than 90 days. State laws vary in their details and in the tax implications of getting the sticker.

No need to register in Massachusetts if you are USCG documented, but you must declare your boat for annual excise tax if you keep the boat there. As noted, each state has different rules, but none of the state requirements pertain once you are outside of the USA.

[JPA Cate]

When you visit countries not the US, you need to be ready with passports, visas where applicable, boat registration, equipment list [this is for stuff with serial numbers that you do not try to sell there, dinghies, computers, etc.]; and if you have a ham radio license and want reciprocal privileges, that will not be handled on entry, it is a separate transaction. If you have State registration, a sticker accompanies the registration most States.

Ann

[Kettlewell]

I have found it really helps to smooth your way into new countries to have all of your paperwork and documentation match up. In other words, if you have a US Coast Guard Document make sure the boat name and hailing port displayed on the boat hull match exactly what is shown on the actual document. And, make sure the owner's name and address match exactly your name and address, or else you will need papers to prove you are allowed to be operating that vessel owned by someone else. Once you decide on a name and hailing port you should immediately put them on the hull per regulations. Sounds basic, but I have seen some people get into trouble when their papers don't match what is on the boat.