Sailboat regulations and requirements around the world?

Question by Aaron: Sailboat regulations and requirements around the world?
What are some good websites and other resources for learning about the regulations and licensing requirements for sailboats in various waters around the world. I’m thinking of taking some time and sailing around the world as much as I can, but I want to see if there is anything else I need before I get stuck in a legal jam somewhere.

Best answer:

Answer by Capt. John
My son & I have been there and done that. We did it for 4 years.

For sure, your very first step should be STEP.
This is the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program” (STEP) it is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to a foreign country.

If you enroll, STEP allows you to enter information about your voyage, and the Department of State will furnish you all the information you need to visit the places you want to visit. This includes, in addition to your Passport, any Visas, vaccinations, insurances, documents, Travel Warnings, Emergencies, Lost and Stolen U.S. Passport when abroad, Arrest, Travel Alerts, prescription drugs, etc. You get find all this at this link:

https://step.state.gov/step/

In addition, you should be aware that obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive, and medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost more than $ 50,000. And without a special “rider” on your policy, U.S. medical insurance is not accepted outside the United States, nor is Social Security Medicare and Medicaid. If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a short-term policy that does

Some countries require Visas (in addition to your Passport) and some do not. Some countries require certain vaccinations to enter, some do not – but you will learn all about all of this at the STEP link.

In addition, there really is no special licensing, regulations, or requirements to sail around the world, other than you need good common sense, and a seaworthy boat.

Many countries (believe it or not) now require proof for completion of an NASBLA approved Boat Safety course. In fact, while my son and I have sailed around the world, and around America’s Great Loop, we have never been asked so show a fishing license. We have however been asked over the past few years to show proof of our NASBLA approved Boat Safety Course. Canada, Norway, Ireland, France, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and many others now, all require it. If you haven’t done it already, you can get this at either of these sites:

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/default.asp
http://www.boat-ed.com/

The best advise I can give you is that you remember you are the guest in a foreign country. Treat your Hosts with respect, be friendly and kind. There are NO US or International Maritime Laws that protect you in any foreign country. You are there as their guest, and you have to abide by their laws.
Thinking of carrying a gun? Don’t. Of all the boats we know of on our voyage that were broke into and ransacked – all had declared guns when they checked in at customs. Of course, you can get arrested simply having a gun in some countries, and you can get arrested for not declaring them in others. It is simply best not to carry a firearm.

What we did and still do: My son and I carry a dozen “Flare Pistols”. Yes, those 12 gauge required visual distress signal flare pistols. We had one in each drawer, in each cabinet, and in each area of the boat, so that on inspection, it was never obvious we had so many. (As it is more common than not, to open a drawer or cabinet in a boat and see one.) We also had a small arsenal of flares. I don’t know if you have ever fired one, or been to a Coast Guard demonstration where they have fired one into a 3/4 inch sheet of plywood some 30 yards away – but for sure, this is all the personal defense you would ever need. Having several of these on board allows you to fire a warning shot, and be immediately able to fire again, and again, and so on.

However. . . we never needed them. We soon discovered, despite the horror stories, that If you sail the world with intent to discover all the good people and places in this world – you will find them. Those voyagers that fear finding all the bad, well, they generally do.

In our years sailing around the world, we never once felt in danger, we never once threatened in any way. We were never asked for, nor paid anyone (Official or otherwise) a bribe of any kind. The only people that approached our boat, had fresh fruits, fresh fish, straw hats, or homemade items to sell. Most were female, all were friendly, and most wanted to trade their items for American cigarettes instead of cash.

As far as a website goes, I offer you my friend Dave’s website. Here, you will find all the good, honest, complete, and straight forward information and inspiration you need about sailing around the world.

http://www.maxingout.com/

Safe & Simple Sailing,
John

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