Why do charter boat owners prefer to register their vessels outside of the United States and fly a different flag? Take note that when your vessel is registered in the US, you become subject to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) stringent regulations as mandated by the Jones Act of 1916 - an act so outdated and was used previously during the era of the robber barons.
This is not to conclude that we have far better regulations than the rest, but the fact is some have far more stringent regulations than the US. Thus abiding with the existing USCG regulations and restrictions are really expense laden for boat owners to maintain.
Where do boat owners usually register and pay their annual fees? There are only three possible locations that boat owners go for their annual registrations. One is the Cayman Islands the berthing area for most large boat charter corporations, the second is the British Virgin Islands and the third is St. Vincent. So even if you are an American, since your charter boat is registered elsewhere, you are considered a visiting charter boat operator because of the different
boat flag you are using.
What boat regulation will then apply? This is totally unwise because only the regulation and restriction of your home base can be used against you, not the area where you operate. So, in this connection a move is being made worldwide for a uniform standard of safety regulation and restriction that port official can apply to all charter boat owners, regardless of what flag they fly. This will now streamline port operations, as everybody will only have a single act to follow.
If this move materializes, then the European SOLAS standards will most likely be adapted for this project.
by:
The Flagman
