International Registration

WoodyJax

Recruit
Joined
Jan 22, 2020
Messages
3
Hi everyone. Due to recent restrictions in Delaware, I am considering flagging my boat internationally. I came across a website of a company that does boat registration in Langkawi. Seems seems like a good alternative. Is anyone in this forum registered there, or familiar with this jurisdiction?
 

roffey

Commander
Joined
Nov 22, 2012
Messages
2,206
to be honest, i did not know you can do a international registration. I thought you had to call into customs as you enter the country's waters but did not know you could register internationally, interesting and makes scene...

oh, and welcome aboard.. :welcome:
 
Last edited:

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,884
Some folks will give you a piece of paper ( certificate ) if you send them some money.
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,231
Langkawi. Seems seems like a good alternative. Is anyone in this forum registered there, or familiar with this jurisdiction?

Don't know of any member in Malaysia
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,231
Applications will be accepted, ONLY when ALL items above are supplied.
Applications take approximately 6 weeks to be processed in Port Klang Head Office.
Applicant is notified by phone or email to collect new registration at Kuah office.
Upon collection, pay one time fee of RM1,140 in cash + RM380 one year registration.
Each year thereafter, you pay RM380 annual registration fee.

Just send them cash.

your registration wont be recognized anywhere, however someone in Malaysia will be $400 USD richer and have the title to your boat.
 

Old Ironmaker

Captain
Joined
Dec 28, 2015
Messages
3,050
I know it has been covered here before but I ask what is the advantage? I remember something like being exempt from fees related to using the Intercoastal on the east coast of the USA. I've seen many boats on The Great Lakes with names of offshore countries painted on the transoms sitting in Marinas. Usually Caribbean countries.
 

briangcc

Commander
Joined
Jul 10, 2012
Messages
2,429
https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/boating/registration/


A vessel must be registered in its “State of Principal Use.” That is the state on whose waters the vessel is used or to be used most during a calendar year. Delaware regulations state that if the vessel is to be used, docked, or stowed on the waters of this State for over 60 consecutive days, Delaware is its “State of Principal Use.”


Somehow I see this section being your sticking point and needing to register it in Delaware and NOT internationally.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,231
I know it has been covered here before but I ask what is the advantage? I remember something like being exempt from fees related to using the Intercoastal on the east coast of the USA. I've seen many boats on The Great Lakes with names of offshore countries painted on the transoms sitting in Marinas. Usually Caribbean countries.

mostly caribbean countries like the Cayman Islands or Panama because there are no taxes and there is a benefit to the wealthy mega-yacht owner to register his boat in such places. however unless you have billions, not sure what the advantage would be.

some light reading.....https://nomadcapitalist.com/2017/07/17/ultimate-guide-yacht-registration/

usually registering a yacht with an off-shore location means you must have lots of paperwork in place, and in many cases, your crew must be from the flag state.
 

WoodyJax

Recruit
Joined
Jan 22, 2020
Messages
3
Thank you all for your feedback and I'm sorry for the late response. I gave Yacht Registry a call. They said they work with one of only 7 authorized agents to register boats in Malaysia. There is no tax, I can travel with freedom internationally and I can register my boat for up to 5 years. I won't have to visit Malaysia either. I looked up Yacht Registry-they have an A+ rating with BBB and have been in business for a long time. Seems solid.
 

roffey

Commander
Joined
Nov 22, 2012
Messages
2,206
I have a question then... any boat can travel internationally providing they report to customs when entering the country's waters, this you have to do no matter what registration you have or where you come from. So what is the advantage of an international registration?
 

roffey

Commander
Joined
Nov 22, 2012
Messages
2,206
In Canada, the Small Vessel Regulations state that you must register your boat if:
  • It is not a pleasure craft and…
  • It is wholly owned by qualified persons and…
  • It is not registered, listed, or otherwise recorded in a foreign country or state.
If you are a qualified person and own a pleasure craft, you do not have to register your craft but you may do so on a voluntary basis.

Registering a pleasure craft provides several benefits.
  • You have proof of ownership (legal title) of the pleasure craft. Having this proof can be very beneficial at international borders.
  • Registered pleasure craft are allowed to fly the Canadian flag.
  • Your pleasure craft has a unique name and an official number.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
What are the new restrictions in Delaware causing you to look into this? They must be onerous.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
I forgot to add a :facepalm: after onerous.

The OP should do more investigation before doing international flagging. No idea what kind of boating he does, but he may be open to Coast Guard inspections and possibly customs, too.

I do want to know what Delaware restrictions have his knickers in a twist.
 

WoodyJax

Recruit
Joined
Jan 22, 2020
Messages
3
If you register in other States, there is usually sales tax or usage tax. I'm trying to avoid that. I wont swear that Delaware is my Principal State of Operation like they want you to now. That's why I am considering Langkawi.
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,231
We all understand your trying to do something to pay less money. The issue that you might want to think about is, if this is done what are the legal implications. I'm no lawyer so that is between you and the justice department
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,231
If you register in other States, there is usually sales tax or usage tax. I'm trying to avoid that. I wont swear that Delaware is my Principal State of Operation like they want you to now. That's why I am considering Langkawi.

if your boat is there more than 60 consecutive days in a row, you must register in delaware.

however your boat is mobile...... use it as a boat and go boating for a few weekends.

problem solved
 
Top